The John Bapst Memorial High School community has lost a special member. The school learned from the Waldo County Sheriff’s Department at mid-day Wednesday, September 19, that junior Owen Krause was killed in a car accident in the town of Prospect, north of his home in Stockton Springs. In an assembly for students, faculty, and staff, Head of School Mel MacKay conveyed the tragic news and said, “At a time like this, we really know we are a community as we come together for one another.”
“Owen always looked on the positive, bright side of things,” said John Bapst Cross Country Coach Joe Capehart. “It could be pouring buckets, and he’d say, ‘oh, the sun is going to come right out.’ He was a great teammate – very good natured, self-effacing, always willing to help out and lend a hand, and he’s going to be sorely missed.”
The school’s deepest sympathies go out to Owen’s family — parents Cheryl and Christopher Krause, Owen’s sister Alison ’07, and brother Oliver — and to his friends, so many of whom are part of the John Bapst community.
Faculty were informed by members of the crisis team. Afternoon activities for Wednesday were canceled, and students were encouraged by Principal David Armistead to use the school’s counseling services at any time. The school has contacted a local grief counseling team, who are expected to be in place during school on Thursday.
Owen Krause’s loss will be felt for a very long time to come.