When Northland Christian School lost two students last year, the impact was immeasurable.

The small school, with an estimated 375-400 students in the sixth through 12th grades, is a close-knit group. So the deaths of Grant Zeinert, a leader of the school's debate team, and Erik Castillo, a football player known by his nickname "The bullet," passed away, the losses took their toll.

A Heartfelt Thanks to . . . Beth and Eddie Martin graciously receive a surprise THANK YOU from the NCS student body for their amazing acts of service on the NCS Campus. Beth was integral in the creation of the Outdoor Classroom Memorial. The Martin family loves this school and we love God more because of the servant heart they consistently show. Thank you Beth and Eddie for serving the Lord! Pictured at right are Eddie and Beth Martin with sons Randy and Scott who are seniors at Northland. Not pictured is daughter Katie, a 5th grader at Northland Elementary.

"They were loved," said Northland campus minister Rich Reaves of the two. "They were beloved around the campus and respected by their peers."

Instead of mourning, though, school leaders and parents focused on honoring the pair, along with three other students who died while attending the school since it opened its door in 1974.

On Friday, the journey came to an end when the school dedicated its outdoor classroom during a ceremony before the football season opener.

Families of the five students gathered on the 50-yard line of the football field for the ceremony.

The classroom, situated between the school's football field and student parking lot, features six covered tables with bench-style seating. The layout also includes plaques honoring the five deceased students.

The classroom, complete with colorful landscaping, was designed to remember the students who have passed on, but not in sad manner.

"We wanted this to be a forward-focused memorial," Reaves said. "This will be a visible reminder that as Christians we believe death is not final. We believe these five students are in heaven."

©Houston Community Newspapers Online 2007