Hundreds gathered Saturday afternoon to honor and celebrate the life of Mason Schermerhorn, a remarkable 14-year-old boy remembered for his kindness, pure heart and unconditional love he showed to everyone around him.
Attendees wore red, Mason’s favorite color, as a tribute to his memory.
Jarred Callaway, a mentor to Mason who spoke during the service, shared how Mason had touched his life over the past three years.
“Even at 14 years old, Mason was a shining example of how to live,” said Callaway. “What made Mason so special was his pure heart and authenticity. He was fully himself in every moment — genuine and true to his values.”
Callaway added that while he initially believed he was meant to invest in Mason’s life, he realized that he received far more from Mason during their time together. “Seeing his progress gave me hope for what life could look like for my son with autism,” he said.
Mason’s teachers also spoke fondly of him, remembering the positivity and leadership he brought to the classroom. Taylor Grovogel, who taught Mason in sixth grade, reflected on her special bond with Mason. “I was Mason’s teacher in sixth grade at Westside. I quickly realized that he needed different services, being surrounded by such a wonderful team, we decided he could be better served at Russell Middle School in a class specifically for students with higher functioning autism. It was so awesome because that same year I transferred to RMS. He was my friendly face that helped me feel like I was at home. I remember hearing his jogging footsteps and the ruffle of his green puffy jacket coming down the hallway where he would always give me a ‘Mason’ hug and I would hear the words, ‘I love you Mrs. G.’ He made my move to RMS great and I saw a kid no longer struggle and begin to thrive on building friendships and connecting with others.”
Sarah McGlade, who taught Mason in seventh and eighth grades, remembered his contagious smile and the way he would lift the spirits of everyone around him. “Mason was such a positive addition to my classroom. He walked around the halls of RMS with a constant smile and small talk with his friends. Every time he engaged with a teacher, he would give them a hug and a compliment. Mason always set new goals for himself and became a leader in the classroom that would help his classmates every chance he got. He was looked at by his peers and me as a leader. He always knew when I was having a rough day and with his big heart, he would find a way to make me smile. When he left to attend Apalachee, I was so excited to see what he would achieve. He made a mark on my life and teaching career that will always exist. Mason will always be a member of the DoggPack and will be missed.”
Callaway read from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 during the service, comparing Mason’s love to the unconditional love described in the passage. “Love is patient and kind… it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things,” the verse reads.
“This is the love Mason showed to everyone around him,” said Callaway.
Callaway concluded with a touching tribute to Mason’s family. His siblings, Gavin, Alana and Lilianah, were each reminded of Mason’s deep love for them. “He always strived to make you proud,” he said, addressing his sisters.
“Mason, we love you buddy. While we will deeply miss your smiles, laughter, pure heart and caring soul, we take comfort knowing God has the best kingdom of hearts game loaded up and ready to play. We will honor your beautiful life by loving others unconditionally and being kind to everyone, always.”
Following Callaway’s speech, Marcellus Lawhorn, a friend of Mason’s who also has autism, told the audience, “Mason was a good friend. We can honor Mason by being kind to others.”
To help support Mason’s family during this difficult time, visit: gofund.me/b46eec51.
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