DOES HOLMEN HAVE A "CURSE"?

The Holmen “curse” is something I know all too well. Since 2005, Holmen, Wisconsin has lost ten students or recent graduates due to some type of tragedy. Whether it is falling off of Grand Dad’s bluff, a car accident or a death related to drugs or alcohol. It seems like an all too common occurrence, and almost something expected now

 that Holmen has lost so many

students. It is depressing to be

expecting a death, but it happens so often that it’s all students and residents of Holmen can think about. In my graduating class alone we have lost two females in the past year and a half; one to an accident of the ground coming out from her at Grand Dad’s Bluff in September of 2009 and the other a car accident due to road conditions this past Monday (December 13th). Students, staff and community members of Holmen have suffered so much over the last few years that I don’t know how much more they can all take. Students in the Holmen School District have now called it the “Holmen Curse” saying that at least one student will pass away from each graduating class. Unfortunately so far the curse has “struck” for every graduated/graduating class so far, since 2005. Students have talked about moving schools and being scared for what’s to come.

Everyone believes something will happen to them or someone they are close to. Its frightening for everyone because they are always expecting something terrible to happen. I’m not sure what can be done about this, basically nothing, in my opinion. All people can really do is be extra cautious at all times and not think about the “curse.” Losing someone you are close to or acquaintances with is a tough thing to go through, especially when it happens multiple times. The mental and emotional stress is exhausting for young people. I believe counselors and the school district are doing an okay job trying to get counseling and help for those who are having troubles coping with the death of a friend or loved one.

Death is a hard thing to get over, and when it happens more than once it tends to become a common feeling of sadness and hurt. I really hope that this is the last of this “Holmen curse” because it hurts me to see everyone around in constant pain or depression. I believe that ten is way too many to have lost in a short time and that the “curse” stops here.