![Although being only one of the two oboe players in the school, freshman Elise Morton said she will continue playing the instrument throughout high school. “[Playing the oboe] makes me feel special because I know Im playing a rare instrument and I love having a challenge because there’s something to improve on and get even better,” Morton said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Elise-Morton-Featured-Photo.jpg)
Lafayette student passes away, Rockwood expresses condolences
March 24, 2014
At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, Lafayette senior Joseph Potter, along with his father, Douglas Potter, were found dead in Babler State Park in Wildwood.
The death is believed to be a murder-suicide.
According to Kim Cranston, chief communications officer, Joseph has been in the Rockwood school district for about one year.
She also said Potter enjoyed school.
“He was a happy student who enjoyed coming to school and really liked music and dancing,” she said.
Principal John Shaughnessy sent a letter to parents explaining the situation and saying that a counseling team was available for student who needed to express their feelings.
During this difficult time, administrators have reached out to the family, and Rockwood expressed its condolences to the family.
“The death of a student is always devastating and what we try to do is to be sensitive to our students, respectful of the family and share appropriate information,” Cranston said.
![[Classroom] will be blocked off for students starting next year, Willot said. Canvas will be the primary resource for accessing online classwork beginning next school year.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/canvas-600x400.png)
![Sophomore Mary Kirtley holds her Dressember Foundation button. The buttons are passed down to the new STL Spark executive board members each year and they are encouraged to place them on their backpacks to help raise awareness about human trafficking. My sister, [Class of 2020 alumni] Grace Kirtley, started STL Spark when she was in high school and she would have people carry it on after she graduated, Mary said. Last year I got invited to join the board again with my sister, senior Patty Kirtley, and so weve been working on carrying her legacy a bit. Its become somewhat of a family project.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_5696-e1700061260167-600x400.jpg)