Spring-Ford High School Community Copes with Student’s Death

While the mood was “eerie” at Spring-Ford Area High School on Tuesday, the colors were bright, in honor of senior Julianne Siller, whose body was found Saturday night along a trail in Skippack, after she was allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend.

A sea of students in tie-dye, purple and pink clothes left the school when the final bell rang, after a day that several students said was difficult.

"Spring-Ford is usually filled with tons of loud, enthusiastic kids," said Spring-Ford junior Carleigh Zepp. "But today, everyone was in a state of shock."

Friends on social media spread the message to wear bright colors for Siller, and for the Spring-Ford Community.

Two juniors leaving school in tie-dye said they didn’t know Siller, but they wanted to show support to their fellow students.

While most students learned of Siller’s death on social media over the weekend, an announcement was made to students in the morning, followed by a moment of silence.

“It was a way to show respect,” said Maddie, a junior who declined to give her last name and didn't know Siller personally, who said that she saw a lot of students hugging in the halls.

"There were students crying left and right in the halls - people were just sad today," said Zepp. "I don't think any school should ever have to hear that a member of their student body has tragically passed away."

Counselors were on hand to speak with students affected by the tragedy.

According to Spring-Ford Area High School Principal Pat Nugent, several students took advantage of the counselors, who will be on hand again Wednesday.

Students tweeted about the difficult day, particularly in the senior wing, with hashtags like #ripjulie and #springfordstrong.

"The hardest class of my high school career is right now#ripjulie,” tweeted Ryan Clark.

Click hear to read Patch's previous coverage of the case.