From the sound of the whistle blowing on the football field to the bell ringing in the classroom, senior Jamarie Sanders has been actively involved despite his brain injury.

Before this incident, Sanders was known for making a positive impact on the teachers and school as a whole.

Sanders received his brain injury in late March due to gun violence. He was shot in the back of the head twice and then quickly rushed to the hospital, undergoing emergency surgery. After the surgery, he was placed into a medically-induced coma because the accident had critically damaged his cerebellum.

When students and staff heard about his accident, the school went silent.

“The class dynamic changed significantly. It was quiet. Too quiet,” economics teacher Christina Barnhart said.

In the classroom

Throughout his years at Ocean Lakes, Sanders created many bonds with staff and students. Barnhart is one of many teachers who he has created one with.

“Jamarie brought such a positive and uplifting presence to the classroom. His natural humor and quick wit brightened the day and often brought laughter to those around him. His attitude and caring nature made the room a better place every time he walked in,” Barnhart said.

As Sanders and Barnhart grew closer, they started a tradition.

“Before the bell rang each day, I would look down the hallway to see him jogging around the corner. As he would get closer, I’d race him to the door. It became our little tradition. Although it may have been a simple moment, it reminded me of how special a student he is to me,” Barnhart said. 

Sanders has impacted Ocean Lakes staff and students in many ways. Whether it’s making students laugh or helping teachers when needed, his accomplishments here are cherished by others.

“Jamarie has taught me resilience and dedication. He never fails to make me smile. His energy and positivity radiate through everything he does,” Spanish teacher Jessica Charlton said.

Sanders wasn’t just a key person in the classrooms but on the football field as well.

On the field

During his junior year, he was a running back and outside linebacker for the varsity football team. In his junior season, he was a dominant player.

“Jamarie was an outstanding player last year. He had key plays throughout the season that helped the team score,” head coach James Yeager said.

Throughout that season, he had over 12 tackles and 250 rushing yards.

Sanders didn’t just play for Ocean Lakes, though; he’s been playing since he was just seven years old.

“My dad is who inspired me to start playing. He played football when he was young, so it just felt right to play too,” Sanders said.

Just like in the classroom, Sanders always made sure everyone on his team had a positive attitude.

“Throughout games, he always had high energy and constantly told us to keep our heads up even when we were losing. He is overall a great teammate, and I am thankful to have been on a team with him,” senior Antonio Hernandez Oseguera said.

This season, the football team had all collectively decided to “retire” his jersey number, number 14, due to his accident.

Road to recovery

Not much time passed before Sanders’ teammates piled into his hospital room to visit him.

“I visited him the day his accident happened and then every day I was able to. Once he woke up from the coma, he would call me so we could keep in touch. I watched him get better over the phone, which was nice,” alumni Noah Colon said.

Shortly after he was admitted into the hospital, former assistant principal Amanda Malbon created T-shirts that stated “Jamarie Strong-14.” The T-shirt sales were open to anyone at Ocean Lakes. All of the proceeds went to his father Elmomar Sanders and stepmother Annita Patterson to help with medical bills.

“When Mrs. Malbon sent me the picture of all the staff and students wearing their T-shirts in honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, I started crying. At that moment, I knew that he had a whole village that loved and cared for him,” Patterson said.

In October, Sanders was cleared to return back to school. His teachers and classmates were overjoyed to see him back in the halls.

“Coming back to school was definitely scary, but the support I had around me made it easier. Especially the support I received from my parents and [my friend] Larissa. They really stuck by my side throughout the whole process,” Sanders said.

Sanders and his family are eternally grateful for all of the support everyone has given them the past nine months.

“Ocean Lakes has been beyond supportive. After the accident, we honestly didn’t know where to start, but everyone helped us put the pieces back together for him to return to school and make his senior year a success. We are forever grateful for Ocean Lakes,” Patterson said.

Sanders continues to improve everyday through therapy and is on track to start walking again soon.

“I love and appreciate everybody for supporting me throughout this journey. I look at life so much differently now. I do miss football and all of the opportunities I had, but I’m just glad I am still here,” Sanders said.