After almost a year without our fallen friend, Josiah Utu, close friends and teammates reflect on how they have changed their perspective on life and have been living for Josiah. Words from best friends, football teammates and the guys that dedicated their recreational basketball team to him by naming themselves “Josiah’s Army” speak on this past year.

Football Teammates

Ashton Johnson – “This football season I wore the number 4 in honor of Josiah. When I got the chance to wear it every single play, I felt guided through him. Plano West will forever cherish and live 4 Josiah.”

Caldon Waters – “I’ve been living 4 Josiah this year by always having a smile on my face and trying to make everyone laugh. I try to always be there for my friends whenever they need me because that’s what he did for me.”

Matthew Van Eck – “I live for Josiah every day by keeping a big smile on my face. I never saw him without a smile so I try to be like him and always smile. Josiah is not just in my thoughts. I see him every day when I go to school because the tree is a great symbol for Josiah’s presence here. Also, this year I’m dedicated to not cutting my hair. He had the flow and would always tell me to grow it out but I never kept my word. This year I’m keeping my word and growing it out just like him.”

Close Friends

Matthew Picco – “Ever since it happened, I have been more accepting of everything. It really opened my mind to becoming a better person like he was. He was really outspoken and made friends with everyone he met. I just wanted to mirror that since he’s been gone.”

Bethany Learmont – “As many people have recognized, Josiah was one of the happiest people you could ever come across. Over the past year I have tried to live through Josiah by making the best out of every day and staying positive no matter the circumstance. Considering the events that have occurred over the past two years, I have learned to be thankful every morning I wake up that I am given the gift of another day. I make sure to always say my ‘goodbyes’ and my ‘I love you’s’ before I leave somewhere because I now know that nothing in life is promised. I try my best to surround myself with my family and my friends and to help someone out whenever I can, and I can only hope that we are making Josiah proud.”

Olivia McQuirter – “To me, living 4 Josiah means practicing loyalty, sincerity, generosity, and warmth – values that Josiah exemplified which taught us all to be the best versions of ourselves. For the past year, I have made it my mission to continue his kindness, spread love and encourage others to do the same.”

Noah Engel – “He was just really a good guy to be around and could make the best out of a bad situation. He never got down about anything and would always be there to cheer me up. Not only was he the kindest and most positive person I’ve ever met but Josiah was filled with tons of character that never left a dull moment between us whether we were out adventuring, at my house or going out for a late night drive. Josiah was not just a joy to be around for me but for everyone who he encountered and I want to live for him and keep that joy around me.”

Josiah’s Army

Andrew Casten – “Some ways I try to carry on the legacy of Josiah would be to simply try and replicate the way he affected everybody. I think Josiah’s gift was that he could make anyone’s day just a little bit better. He had a soul that radiated kindness and selflessness and it seemed like everyone was his friend. I want to be the same type of friend that Josiah was to everyone. I do not take off the bracelets we all purchased to fund his memorial at school because they serve as a constant reminder to carry on Josiah’s long lasting legacy with pride. Josiah has taught me to always cherish the ones closest to you and to not be afraid to tell people that you love them. I’ve been doing my best to be a better son, friend, and student, just like Josiah.”

Bralen Dulin – “Personally, I’ve been trying to enjoy my time with friends and family as much as I can. I deeply miss Josiah.  He was an excellent spirit who had a deep impact on everyone’s life in many ways. This past year has been tough on all of us, but I try to live as happily and positively as my good friend did.”