A recent school photo of Elise. Via Star-Telegram.com
The Dragon family isbrmourning the loss of Elise Cerami. The 13-year-old died Monday after beingbrpulled from the pool at Carroll ISD's Aquatics Center. Elise just completedbreighth grade at Carroll Middle School and would have attended Carroll HighbrSchool in August as a varsity member of the swim team.
Mourners gathered at a vigil for Elise on Monday evening at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church. A celebrationbrof life and memorial service took place Thursday in the CarrollbrSenior High auditorium. A funeral mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday atbrGood Shepherd Catholic Community in Colleyville.
The Cerami family hasbrasked that donations in memory of Elise go toward a future scholarship. Click here to donate to the Elise Cerami Memorial Scholarship Fund. Checksbrmay also be made to Carroll ISD with “Elise Cerami Memorial” in the subject line.brDonations may be dropped off at thebrCarroll Administration Building or mailed to Carroll ISD at 2400 N. CarrollbrAvenue, Southlake, TX 76092.
A recovery fund has beenbrestablished for Coach Bill Christensen. Witnesses report that Christiansenbrcollapsed and suffered a heart attack after giving Elise CPR. Christiansen, whobrhas been the head coach of Carroll ISD's North Texas Nadadores (NTN) clubbrprogram since 2002, underwent surgery and is in good condition, according to reports. Funds raised will go directly to Christiansen and his family as hebrrecovers in the weeks and months ahead. Click here to contribute to thebrGoFundMe account. Additionally, community members can deposit gift cards inbrmarked envelopes in the NTN Parent Club lock box at the Aquatics Center.