Cody Byrnes: A Super Hero

Last Wednesday, the Half Hollow Hills School District celebrated Superhero Day in honor of former Hills East graduate, Cody Byrnes. Byrnes passed away eleven months ago after a six year battle with multiple cancers. Cody’s mother is a Half Hollow Hills faculty member and started a foundation in honor of his name. The foundation offers scholarships to student athletes in need within Half Hollow Hills.

Cody was a soccer player and a hockey fanatic. In 2009, Byrnes was involved in the National Hockey League’s “Hockey Fights Cancer” initiative. Byrnes was able to meet some of the players from his favorite hockey team, the New York Islanders. During one of their games that year versus the Rangers, Byrnes even got to drop the puck onto the ice.

Students and faculty from each school within the district celebrated Cody’s life by wearing superhero t-shirts to school. In addition, students were also encouraged to donate $1 to this cause. During school, students and teachers could be seen in not only super hero t-shirts, but also in capes that were worn in order to honor Cody Byrnes.

Students and faculty throughout the district admire Cody Byrnes for his strength and courage when faced with adversity. Super Hero day celebrated the life of a special young man who left a lasting impact on all who knew him.