Breck School Tour

The Breck (Metro Mix) Pay It Forward Tour will serve on the way to Kansas City!

Thank-U-thon!

STLF's first-ever Thank-U-thon was a great success!

Blog/opportunities

Comments (1)

Mar10

Time 12:50

Remembering Sarah

Relationships get STLF through even the toughest of times. Reflection on the death of Sarah Martinsen and the strength of NDSU bus 2 and her mom, Deb!

Author: Greg Tehven, STLF

The phone call STLF worried about from the day it was founded, came in at about 10:00 p.m on a Tuesday night. Amidst the busiest Tour season in STLF’s history, I was in Washington DC, sleeping when the call came in. A trip leader from NDSU let us know that a student had been hit by a Jeep while on a run during free time on the Pay It Forward Tour. Sarah Martinsen, a junior from NDSU on her first Pay It Forward Tour, died on impact in Pensacola, FL on Tuesday March 16th.

After working through STLF's crisis communication plan with Brian and Irene, we decided I would have the opportunity to fly to Florida to join the bus early the next day and support the students. I'd also be given the chance to work with Sarah's family during the sad days that lie ahead.

Sarah Shortly after entering Florida, I was introduced to an angel that most call Deb, or Sarah's Mom. When I asked her how she was doing on the phone, she shared that she was sad, struggling, and very concerned about the well being of the students. She let me know that she'd be flying to Pensacola the next day. She was also encouraged to know that the students continued to serve.

When I arrived in Florida, the 42 students were working at a church. Their spirits were mixed. After an exhausting evening, the students decided to continue with their service in Sarah's spirit. As I fielded questions from the media, I did my best to support the students as they lost their friend. As the service project finished up, we went to lunch along the shore before traveling to New Orleans to join six other buses. During this ride, most of the students slept while I spoke with University representatives, my teammates, and the family.

I called Deb and asked her if she'd like to join our celebration in New Orleans the next day where the students would present a tribute to Sarah's life in front of the 250 college students. With a quiver in her voice, she let me know she'd be honored.

On Thursday morning, while the bus continued to serve, I drove to the airport, joined by NDSU Junior Connor Johnson, to pick up our angel. We were greeted by Deb with a huge hug. As we waited for her luggage, we had a conversation about the plans for the day and Deb shared her excitement to meet the students.

While we drove to New Orleans, Connor shared stories of Sarah's last days. Connor shared with Deb about the project at Eagle's Wings where Sarah quickly became one of the resident's favorite volunteers. He told her about Sarah's impact on the younger students and how she was the glue of their bus. He also shared the memories of their dance parties and running jokes. As Deb listened, she offered her support to Connor and smiled along with every story that was shared. As I sat listening while driving, I was near tears. During this time, I was able to realize the beauty of this moment; just hours after her daughter was killed, Deb was able to share memories with her daughter’s friend and listen to the last memories her daughter left with friends.

When we arrived in New Orleans, energy filled the room as seven buses of students piled into an auditorium at the University of New Orleans. After a few short introductions, three NDSU students shared a few memories, a poem, and a slideshow in honor of Sarah. The room was filled with tears as everyone realized the incredible woman that was lost. Then, the angel herself appeared. Speaking in front of the students, Deb shared with great enthusiasm her love for her daughter. She mentioned how honored she was that Sarah had said that the trip was the best week of her life. She thanked the students for helping make this possible and encouraged the young people to continue to love and serve others.

As the evening wrapped up, Sarah's mother was wrapped in a hug by the students from Sarah’s bus. As I looked on, I was reminded of one of the core elements of STLF's mission: relationships. 42 students on Sarah’s bus were impacted by her amazing personality, zest for life, and love for service. Those 42 individuals united as ONE, and promised to carry on Sarah’s spirit after the tour. Sarah will be missed yet, we know she has inspired a generation to serve on!