SAN ANTONIO – Ten months after the tragic floods that struck the area on July 4, the Bulverde Creek Elementary School community came together to honor the memory of Madelyn Jeffery, a former student whose promising life was abruptly taken. The heartfelt event served to both remember her and celebrate the positive impact she left on those who knew her.
Madelyn, who would have been in sixth grade this year, was one of the victims of the devastating floods. Her classmates, teachers, and family members gathered on campus to share emotional tributes, recounting memories of a girl who was described as kind, courageous, and full of life.
“She is no longer with us in person. She’s living her best life,” expressed one classmate during the ceremony, a sentiment echoed by many as they reflected on her vibrant spirit. Another student remembered her as “such a courageous soul” and “such a great person,” as tears flowed during heartfelt speeches delivered to a gathering audience.
Madelyn’s mother, Alicia Jeffery Baker, also took the stage, emphasizing the importance of shifting focus from the loss to celebrating her daughter’s life. “There is not a moment that goes by when I don’t wish we could hear her voice or see her smile again,” Baker said. “But today is not only about our loss — today is about her life.”
As part of the tribute, the school unveiled a mural dedicated to Madelyn, along with significant enhancements to the campus soccer field, including freshly painted goalposts and new nets. These upgrades were particularly meaningful as they reflect her deep passion for soccer. “Soccer wasn’t just a sport to her — it was a part of who she was,” Baker noted.
In addition to the athletic homage, a middle school choir performed in her memory, acknowledging Madelyn’s aspirations to join the group. This performance served as a poignant reminder of her dreams and the musical talents she possessed.
Baker concluded her remarks by affirming that Madelyn’s legacy will endure within the community. “We carry her with us in our hearts and our stories and the way we choose to love one another,” she said. “She will never, ever be forgotten.”
