Family Makes Second Donation to SHS in Memory of Two Daughters

A local family will once again give back to Salem High School this year in memory of their two lost daughters, this time electing to help music students with their education.

The Salem School Board approved a gift of $5,000 Tuesday from the mother and father of Cassandra and Samantha Ray.

The money from Robin Smith and Jim Michaud will be used for a recording sound system which SHS Principal Tracy Collyer said will enhance student experience.

According to Collyer, the sound system is fitting given Cassandra's love for music.

The 2006 graduate of SHS died in 2010 following a canoe accident in Raymond, N.H. She was 21.

Samantha, who graduated in 2005, died unexpectedly in April 2011 at the age of 24. While at SHS, she participated on the varsity cheerleading squad. She is survived by her husband, Nickolas Klinefelter.

Collyer lauded last year's donation from the family, which went toward a special reading nook in the SHS library.

"Every day you walk by there, there is someone sitting in that space," she said. "It's a small, quiet reading nook. It's decorated with the girls pictures and music that Cassie had written."

This year's donations will especially help out with the recently formed Music in Media course at the high school.

The equipment is considered the industry standard when it comes to recording and editing music.

The estimated cost of the equipment is $4,485. Should the family agree, the leftover funds will go into a performing arts trust fund.

School Board Chairman Pamela Berry was happy for the school to receive the gift.

"It's so gratifying that something so tragic has brought something so positive to our high school," said Berry.

Vice Chairman Patrica Corbett agreed, adding that last year's donation in the library is equally appealing.

"I think what they have already donated is absolutely beautiful," said Corbett. "It's a wonderful space for our school and I'd just like to express our thanks."