CINCINNATI – A slain teen’s high school principal went on YouTube this weekend to let everyone know what a special person he was.
Principal Andy Farfsing and Purcell Marian High School are mourning Gregory Thompson, Jr., a 17-year-old junior shot to death in Evanston Friday night.
“He was lost to senseless gun violence in the front yard of his grandmother’s home,” Farfsing said in a five-minute video.
“It’s important for everybody to know that Greg had a very positive impact on everyone at Purcell Marian,” Farfsing said.
WATCH the video below:
Farfsing said Thompson had just transferred to the Walnut Hills school last fall but made friends easily.
Farfsing made it clear there that Thompson earned a special place in his heart.
“Greg would come in to see me in my office, oh, probably once a day. Every day. We’d share stories. Laugh. Talk about grades, and all things under the sun,” the principal said.
He said Thompson was willing to do whatever it takes to make those around him better.
“I saw him one day on a free bell, sweeping the salt that was tracked in from the icy sidewalks. I said, ‘Greg, what are you doing?’
“He said, ‘I’m sweeping up the salt.’
“I said, ‘Why you doing that?’
“He said, ‘Somebody needs to do it, and I had a spare minute.’
“I’ll miss Greg tremendously,” Farfsing said.
Farfsing said counselors would be available for students Monday. He said Purcell Marian is a family and that family has lost a brother.
“Together, we’ll make it through this time. Together we’ll grow stronger in who we are, and our faith. Together, we’ll pray. Together we’ll share those memories. All those great times we had with Greg. Together, we’ll continue to live our dreams here at Purcell Marian and build a bright future for everyone.”
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Police have not said if they have any suspects in the shooting.
If you have any information, call Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.
