This year, our Sahuaro Cougar family lost a beloved fellow student, Cassandra Tomlinson, a sophomore here at Sahuaro. Her family and peers deeply loved Cassandra. She was a member of Sahuaro’s volleyball team and loved cross-country, tennis, and playing her guitar. After the shock of her passing, students were encouraged to “Wear Blue for Cassandra,” a day organized that same week.
Her classmate and friend, Ari Perkins, shared, “Cassandra was a beautiful soul with a loving heart, she brought love to all her friends, and she was a kind person with a bright smile. She will be loved forever.” Many of her friends shared stories about their friendships with Cassandra. They mentioned she was the quiet type, often staying home rather than going out. Although they didn’t want to be quoted, anyone close to Cassandra had the option last week to gather in a conference room with others experiencing the same emotions. Laughter and stories were shared, along with deep thoughts and hard questions. Many still have questions today, but most of all, they miss their friend and hope she has found peace.
On May 5, 2026, juniors Kasalynne Chung and Olivia Little organized a balloon release on the main football field from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Classmates, fellow teammates, one of her teachers, and family members gathered with blue balloons, bearing messages written for Cassandra and shared memories. Her mother, grandmother, and close friends spoke about their memories and emotions while classmates listened and sat together as the balloons were released. Cassandra’s teammate, Mackenzie Comfort, shared, “It was hard to go out there under the circumstances, but being surrounded by other people who loved Cass just as much, and came to lean on each other, made saying goodbye not so hard.”
The Boehmes, who had been close to Cassandra since childhood, shared a deep connection that some people search for their entire lives. As the days go on, memories flood their family’s hearts as they think back to “that spunky, blonde-haired child who never sat still and seemed to bounce everywhere she went,” said Cindy Boehme. Even though Cassandra was quiet, she left a lasting impact on the people who loved her. Ms. Cindy recalls the time she and her kids had with Cassandra, including holidays and special nights they spent together: “I will always treasure the music you and Ruth made together, the laughter we shared, and even the difficult times that brought so many tears.” Her family and extended family have been deeply affected by the news of their beloved’s passing.
In times like these, it is important to remember that everyone is human and we all process grief in different ways. Cassandra will always be a Cougar. This school will remember her, and her presence will never leave the friends she made along the way.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health, Help is available at 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
