BRONZEVILLE — Students at Ace Tech Charter High School remembered slain classmate Porshe Foster at a memorial service held at the school Wednesday, and held a fundraiser that netted $275, which was donated to her family to help defray funeral costs.
The 15-year-old sophomore was shot dead on Nov. 26 while standing in a back yard with friends in the 6900 block of South Campbell Avenue.
Items sold at the fundraiser, which was held at the school, 5410 S. State St., included drawings, paintings and ceramics made by students. Prices for the items ranged from $3 to $25. Family members said they received a total of $500, thanks to an additional $225 donated by Ace Tech students and staff.
And while many Ace Tech students said they knew Foster, those who didn't still donated items.
"I did not know Porshe, but I still wanted to help. Funerals are expensive, and if I were to pass away, I would want someone to help my family, too," said Eunice Florentino, a 17-year-old senior, who donated a painting. "No teenager should have to worry about if they are going to live to see their high school graduation."
About 50 people, including Foster's family and Ace Tech teachers and staff, attended the fundraiser.
Foster's uncle, Darrin Carney, said the last time he saw his niece, she was happy and full of laughter.
"That's how I want to remember her," Carney said. "I saw her two weeks before she died and was joking with her about her mole on her nose. I said it was a family thing because I have a mole on my nose, too."
Little did Carney, 20, know that would be the last time he would see her smiling face.
Foster's best friend, Taniesa Dukes, 15, was with her the night she was killed.
"Once they started shooting we ran for cover, and I remember asking her if she was good," recalled Dukes, who attended the fundraiser. "I miss my friend very much."
Cecilia Baader, assistant principal at Ace Tech, said the school hosted the fundraiser because Foster "was like family to us, and we want to do whatever we can to help the family."
"It is sad when anyone dies, especially young people," said Ed Palmisano, data and testing coordinator at Ace Tech. "I did not know Porshe, but I want to help in anyway that I can."
Funeral services for Foster are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Mark Church of God in Christ, 9201 S. Avalon Ave.
