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Maryville High School administrators and teachers mourned the loss of a former student Monday.

The grief was echoed throughout the Blount County community as family and friends similarly remembered Sgt. Michael Ferschke, a 2003 graduate of Maryville High School. The 23-year-old soldier was killed Sunday in Iraq, according to news reports.

Ferschke was married and he last visited his wife, Hota, who lives in Okinawa, Japan, in April. The couple married exactly one month ago Sunday. Ferschke met her while stationed in Japan.

The couple is also expecting a child, which is due January.

"This is a loss deeply felt by the Maryville High School community," said Principal Mike Casteel.

Many teachers recalled his warm, reserved personality. Joe Pinkerton, one of the school's assistant principals, was teaching math classes while Ferschke was attending the school.

"He was a joy to have in class -- he always brought a positive outlook. He would always attack his problems and try to overcome any difficulty," said Pinkerton. "He always had a smile on his face and was very inquisitive. He was a leader by example and with his actions," he said. "He was a very unique young man."

Administrators and teachers also remembered a young man who enjoyed challenges and ultimately found his niche in the school's drama department. Ferschke took six drama classes in his last three years of high school, and he participated in five musicals and full-length plays in that time-span.

"I was very fortunate to have Michael in my class for three years. I got to watch him grow up into a young man," said Sherry Petrowski, a drama teacher. Ferschke "filled lots of roles in my class. He loved drama and was a natural on the stage. (Drama classes) challenged him and he just took full advantage (of the experience)."

Several teachers also remember Ferschke coming back two or three times after graduation to visit them. "He always made it a point to see us, which made us feel special. He would give us a big hug, tell us where he was based, talk about the (school's) upcoming productions and reminisce about his memories of the plays," said Petrowski. "It was always good to see him."

Wanted to serve

Ferschke's passing has profoundly affected faculty members and left them with mixed emotions. "My heart's heavy now. However, (serving in the military is what he) wanted to do. He talked about it a lot," said Petrowski.

"In my opinion, he wanted something to challenge him. He enjoyed being active, and he was the kind of person who wanted to explore lots of different things," she said. "He loved inconsistencies and diversity. Going into the military offered him chances to explore diversity in life and it fit him," said Petrowski.

The military also "gave him the opportunity to be a leader in different areas. It doesn't surprise me he did it. Hard things motivated him," said Petrowski. "In my opinion, something in him wanted to push himself. He got a lot of satisfaction in that."

The young man that teachers and administrators remember had a genial soul. "He enjoyed everything he did and (knew how to live) in the moment," said Petrowski. "I admired his ability to laugh at himself and move on. There was just something in there that made him special," she said. "There was a willingness to serve to his full capacity -- he was my go-to guy.

"I can still see him in front of my face even though I haven't had him in class for five years. I will always remember Michael. I'm just trying to absorb the fact he's not with us anymore. It is a life that's gone to soon at 23 years old. He left us with rich memories. We will always have that."

Some teachers have developed a new outlook on schooling and life from his passing. "This puts everything in perspective. When I see those young faces in front of me tomorrow, I want to try to hold on to them. There are more Michaels, whose lives are special, and who may be taken too soon," said Petrowski. "I want to know every student in a personal way. This is a challenge to all of us to take a hard look as faces present themselves to us -- no matter how brief they're there."