Murdered E. Patchogue Teen Honored at Bellport Graduation

A photo of Jennifer Mejia, 17 of East Patchogue, stood on an easel near the 275 students she was supposed to graduate with Thursday evening at Bellport High School.

Mejia, 17, of East Patchogue, was one of four gunned down on Father’s Day during the robbery of the Haven Drugs store in Medford.

Over the bleachers in the school’s gymnasium, a  banner hung with heartfelt messages from students, staff and faculty of the school.

Many of the students wore tiny purple ribbons on their gowns or wore purple bracelets in Mejia's memory since it was her favorite color. Several had also decorated their caps with messages to Jenn.

At the start of the ceremony a moment of silence was held and a few dozen white balloons were released into the air by the students.

Bellport High School Principal Bernie Soete spoke highly of Mejia and her ambitions to start college and someday become a doctor.

"She was an energetic young woman who liked to spend time with her friends celebrating life. So as Jenn would have wanted, let us continue the celebration, let us celebrate Jenn's life," Soete said in a speech.

Victor Correa, president of the South Country Board of Education, thanked the parents, guardians and students of the community in his commencement speech for the strength, support and solidarity that they showed to the Mejia family and to each other.

"Bellport High School has gone through some very tough times the last week. This community really stepped up in these tragic times. I am so proud of the way that you have conducted yourselves," Correa said.

Mary Campbell, the senior class president, also said a few words in memory of Mejia and announced that a 1992 graduate has established a one-time scholarship to be awarded next year in memory of Mejia. It will be granted to a senior interested in studying medicine.

“This past Sunday we lost a beautiful girl who was supposed to be graduating with us,” Campbell said. “This incident has reminded everyone of the impact that you can make on someone's life and the impact that others can have on yours. Everyone agrees that Jenn was an angel here on Earth. It didn't matter who you were, how much time or effort it took, she was always ready with a smile or a helping hand. She has clearly made an impact on every single person in this class. Her life was short but will forever be remembered."

After receiving her own diploma, her close friend, Kimberly Jimenez, rushed to Mejia's photo immediately after to give it a quick kiss and say 'Congratulations'.

Jennifer Mejia’s Regents diploma was placed inside her casket during her .