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Canton honors the vibrant life of the late Raheim Nelson


The remembrance for the late Raheim Nelson at Canton High School on Jan. 5 included a candlelight vigil on the track and turf field.

By John Fitts

Staff Writer

Raheim's Nelson's cousin Jada Gordon at the vigil held at the Canton High School turf field Jan. 5

CANTON - That he was both a dream and a dreamer was abundantly clear as the Canton community gathered the evening of Jan. 5 to celebrate the life of Raheim Dantae Barry Nelson.

Since Raheim, 17, along with his mother, Faye Dawson-Judkins, 52, died in a Christmas morning crash in West Hartford, it’s become clear just how much he affected the Canton High School community, despite only coming to the school this fall.

“The tremendous impact he made was powerful, not only on the athletic field, but in the hallways, the cafeteria and the classrooms,” Canton High School Principal Drew DiPippo said at the community remembrance Jan. 5, also noting that the community was also mourning the loss of Dawson-Judkins.

Certainly, the soccer field – or the football pitch as they would likely call it in his native country of Jamaica - was a place of great joy for Raheim. His love of the game, the fundraising activities of his teammates and the tributes to #Forever14 in honor of his jersey number have been front and center in Canton and well beyond since Raheim’s death. Just a few days before the memorial, the soccer team organized a tournament and fundraiser to help the family with funeral expenses.

On the field he was “Raheim the Dream,” a name that came very early in the practice sessions this fall when Canton’s boys soccer assistant coach John Manners noticed his speed on the field.

“[John Manners] looked at the kid and said, ‘he’s a dream, do you see how fast he is?’” CHS Boys Soccer head coach Bill Phelps said at the gathering, which included a ceremony in the Canton High School gym and a candlelight vigil on the turf field. “And what a dream he was.”

Raheim’s trademark smile was full bore whenever he walked on the field and his love of soccer was infectious.

Science teacher Anthony Pereiro noted that he was never really a fan of the sport until he had Raheim as his student.

“The way he explained it was so enthusiastic, it made me want to get the know the sport a little more and I looked forward to watching him play,” Pereiro said.

Several years before he came to the United States in 2020, Raheim attended a soccer camp and didn’t do so well, his brother, Ricardo Allen, said. He came home and asked Allen, who served as Raheim’s guardian after their mother came to the United States in 2015, to buy him the cones and other equipment used at the camp. Raheim had observed the activities so closely that he was able to practice the drills on his own and vastly improve his game.

In the United States, Raheim furthered his soccer skills, first at Weaver High School and then in Canton, which he came to after hearing the positive feedback from his cousin Khalil Thomas, now a CHS senior.

“He was always smiling; he was always working hard,” Phelps said. “He never questioned why he came out of the game until after the game was over and then he asked 'what do you need me to do to get better?' so he could play more. He never took credit for a great play. He came to us with incredible talent, speed and love for the game of soccer. He learned very quickly that he did not have to do everything by himself. He had a team of great players with him.”

And Raheim’s joy for life carried over to every aspect of his life.

Science teacher Anthony Pereiro and English teacher Leigh Connole spoke about Raheim's impact in the classroom.

His English teacher, Leigh Connole, told those gathered about the “boy who dreamed” as she noted just how much Raheim brightened the room each day” as she talked about his humility, kindness, drive and dedication, sense of humor and knack for sparking curiosity in others.

At the end of her remarks, she summed it up: “What can you say about the boy who dreamed? You can say that he lived a beautiful life, and he bettered the lives of all of us who knew him. Raheim- we will miss you.”

Many of his teammates spoke at the ceremony and each one emphasized Raheim’s love of the game, and more importantly, his character and friendship.

Captain Jake Dean shared a story about a soccer game against Granby in which the score was tied 0-0 at half time. In the second half Raheim quickly scored two goals.

“Seeing Raheim celebrate by dancing and laughing with the team will forever stick with me,” he said. “Moments like this are the way that I and many more will remember Raheim.”

Khalil Thomas shared several thoughts with those gathered, including the world’s profound loss on Christmas Day.

Molly McLellan, Khalil Thomas and teacher Michelle Traub participate in the vigil at Canton High School Jan. 5. Thomas was cousin to the late Raheim Nelson.

“[The world] lost a hard-working, strong willed kind-hearted, curious young man that wanted nothing but the best for himself, his friends, his teammates and, above all else, his mother,” he said.

More than anything, Khalil said it was his cousin’s “appreciation for all that this life offered” that he would miss the most.

Khalil shared about the way his cousin’s life – and some encouragement from a classroom assignment – led to his deep reflection on that very subject.

“If there’s anything I’d like you all to gain from the life and death of Raheim Nelson, it’s to be thankful for each and every day, to be here and have a chance to live this life because, like Raheim, you never know when life will end. Not every day is a guarantee.”

According to Allen, Raheim even carried that over to his work as a waiter at Duncaster, where he made a habit of always talking to people about their lives, their work and what led to them down their chosen path. He was always trying to better himself as was his mother, who had just recently completed her Certified Nursing Assistant Certification and was working toward being a nurse, Allen said.

During the evening Phelps shared how as a teen he had lost his best friend to cancer. The boy’s dad told him that good would come out of what the two shared – words that have proved true in so many ways for Phelps.

Phelps also said he’s dealt with death far too often in his career as a teacher and a coach but also said that life is better having known Raheim.

“What if I never met Raheim? I would not have been here talking today but I would have missed out on a great experience, getting to know a great young man named Raheim. That is his gift to me and to all of us,” Phelps said. “The gift that we all lived - coaching, playing soccer, laughing with him, talking to him, dancing with him, a gift that will stay with me forever how lucky am I to have this gift. … Find the good in this tragedy because the good is he will always be with us.”

Raheim’s family is thankful for the overwhelming support the Canton community has offered.

The late Raheim Nelson, at left, was known for his sense of humor. Here he is pictured with teammate and classmate Ian Clark during spirit week.

His aunt, Latoya Gordon, talked about how that support goes back to when her daughter Kyra, a 2018 CHS graduate, first attended Canton and continued when Khalil came to the school.

“Tonight is a reminder that we really love it here and we never felt like that family from Hartford,” she said. “It felt like we lived here.”

She gave other specific instances – and thanks to individuals - and said she can never fully express her gratitude for how the community has come together for Raheim’s entire family in the wake of the tragedy.

“I just want to thank each and every one of you for the outpouring of support and love you have given to our family,” she said. “You have helped us through this process."

Raheim’s brother also expressed his appreciation to the community and the message about his impact at Canton High School.

“[Raheim] would always say that ‘I’m going to make you proud,’” Allen said. “That’s what he said but I did not know that he would make me proud in this manner - to see so many people whose lives he has touched in so many different ways. I did not know this is what he meant but ultimately, I am happy. I’m happy that he has made me proud … He has made us proud and he is somewhere out there looking down, smiling and happy that he did his part.”

Those who want to support the family can do so at https://gofund.me/f01e9f44.


Postscript

Following are the words of Canton High School teacher Leigh Connole about Raheim:

‘What can you say about the boy who dreamed?

That his smile brightened the room each day you greeted him at the classroom door.

That he was charismatic and genuine; humble and kind.

That he was considerate to all, no matter the unlikely partnership or shy group dynamic.

That he could bring a smile to onlookers’ faces with a funny video, a quick-witted joke, or a gesture among friends.

That he could make you burst into laughter while donning a blue tutu and posing with friends for a game-day picture.

That it was easy to admire his drive and dedication to his education;

that his peers took notice, and he was a role model for them in this capacity.

That his desire to learn, to improve, to grow, made him a joy to teach.

That he consistently reminded me why I value my relationships with students and love being a teacher.

That he looked at life in ways that sparked curiosity in others.

That he reminded us to live every day with integrity and to follow our heart in pursuit of our dreams.

What can you say about the boy who dreamed? You can say that he lived a beautiful life, and he bettered the lives of all of us who knew him. Raheim- we will miss you.”


Community members hold vigil for the late Raheim Nelson and Faye Dawson-Judkins.

Canton soccer captainsMiles Deiulis and Jake Dean present Raheim's family his soccer jersey and a team picture.


Ricardo Allen thanks the community for supporting the family after the death of his brother, Raheim Nelson, and mother Faye Dawson-Judkins.


Canton High School students and others hold a vigil as part of the remembrance ceremony for the late Raheim Nelson and Faye Dawson-Judkins.

The late Raheim Nelson.







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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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