By Markelia Rumble

The atmosphere at Breadnut Hill Primary School today was unusually heavy.

The vibrant energy of the students was replaced by a quiet sadness as the school community reeled from the tragic loss of 7-year-old Tashawna Mattis, a grade 2 student at the institution.

Tashawna, along with her two younger siblings, 2-year-old Tavaughno and 4-year-old Tashawnie, tragically lost their lives in a house fire yesterday.

Their deaths have left the community heartbroken, and the school is no exception.

Inside the classroom where Tashawna once sat, a bouquet of flowers rested delicately on her desk, a tribute to a life cut far too short.

The flowers, placed by her classmates, served as an act of love and remembrance for a friend they will never forget.

Speaking to IRIE FM News, principal Sharon Minott, described Tashawna as a quiet yet friendly girl, who was always kind to those around her.

Tashawna’s teacher was too shaken to speak.

Ms. Minott expressed that the pain of losing one of her students was still raw, as the school community is still processing the news.

In the classroom, the usual sounds of children’s chatter were replaced by a profound stillness, as the atmosphere grew heavy with grief.

Tashawna’s classmates, though trying to carry on with their day, couldn’t escape the sadness that had taken hold.

Some of them shared that Tashawna was a dear friend, and she will be deeply missed.