We picked two winners (amongst 63 applicants) for two $500 scholarships we started in our son’s, Henrih Alikaj's, name in the high school where I teach. The essays were all written so well that picking the winners was a difficult decision for us to make. The applicants read some background information about our son, then they had to write an essay about how they are similar to Henrih, or what will their legacy they leave behind be. ALL applicants wrote about how Henrih’s love for family, his passion for everything he did, and his hard work and dedication inspires them to be just like our Henrih. HENRIH’s name WILL live on for as long as I’m able to breathe. GOD!!!!! I MISS YOU WITH ALL I HAVE LEFT IN ME, Henrih. I LOVE YOU more than words can possibly describe

My Henrih,my firstborn son, Please answer me, come back, for I am done, Without you I feel like half For it was you who always made me laugh. Why did you leave us, just like that? Is Heaven now your habitat? I pray at least you’re at peace and not stressed out at all, As for your momma, she’s about to fall, Because without you she’s not good at all And she feels so very, very small. It’s strange, how life was all so good to us, But in just a moment, it changed and made me feel as if I got hit by a school bus, Pain, despair, agony, anguish, and tears Are my new “friends” that continuously hit me like spears. But, my Henrih, nothing hurts more than your absence, Your child leaving this world before his parent- IT IS ALL SUCH NONSENSE!!!! And BROKEN I am, oh so very sad Fastly deteriorating while also feeling mad

Hello, my name is D. K., l and I'm a senior at Utica High School, though originally I went to Iroquois Middle School, and would've likely had you as a teacher if I didn't move districts. I was looking for scholarships and grants when I saw the memorial for your son. Your son's upbringing and aspirations closely match mine, from being Albanian to both of us being interested in medicine. I'd like to inquire if it would be possible for me to submit an essay entry for review for the scholarship. I believe that I can offer a story and goal that would be one of the most genuine ways to pay homage to his memory. If it is not possible due to requirements, then that is fine. I'd like to end by saying that your son's story, along with your family's, touched me because of the parallels with my own family's story. May God have mercy on him and reunite him with his family in the next life.