Cassidy Charette, a former Messalonski High School football player, died in a hay wagon accident in 2014.
WATERVILLE, Maine — More than 500 soccer players from around the state came together for “Kick for Cass,” an 11-hour nonstop soccer game in memory of Cassidy Charette, who was killed in a hay wagon accident in 2014.
The 11th hour play refers to the No. 11 jersey that Cassidy wore while playing for the Messalonski High School girls soccer team.
Friends, family and fellow football players gathered at Thomas University in Waterville to make Charette's memory last forever.
“I just remember her joy, her service and how she brought people together,” said Fern Calkins, Charette's best friend and teammate.
An organization called ShineOnCass continues to rally the community in honor of the charrette.
Nineteen high school football teams and community teams competed in a round robin format, reminiscing about the charrette and having fun.
“We're working for a cause, knowing that there's something bigger than us, bigger than our team,” said Madison Hartley, head coach of the Hampden High School boys soccer team.
“Everybody here knows why they're here and what they stand for, and as her friend, it's just amazing to see all of that,” Calkins said.
Cassidy Charette's mother, Monica Charette, said grief is a long and difficult journey, but having a support system can make a difference.
“Being surrounded by so many people lifts your spirits and makes the light a little brighter and helps carry Cath's light a little further into the future,” she said.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Shine on Cass Foundation's Central Maine United Soccer Scholarship to continue passing on the light of the Charette to the next generation of players.
“It's a huge honour to represent ShineOnCass,” said Emma Jane Parsons, a player and volunteer with Kick for Cass.
Parsons is a recent graduate of Messalonski High School and was awarded the Shine on Cass Community Service Scholarship in recognition of demonstrating service and kindness in her daily life.
She has been kicking for Cass for three years and is happy to represent the Charette in giving back to the community.
“She was everything you wanted to be,” Parsons said, “and I'm really excited to be recognized for that.”
The charrette's legacy is to inspire the community to spread joy and help one another.
“I think Cassidy's legacy is her kindness and the way she treated everyone around her. She never treated anybody differently,” Monica Charette said. “So that's really what we're celebrating here today and what we want people to remember about Cassidy.”
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