MORRISTOWN (WATE) – Morristown West High School’s student section was decked out like Superman Friday night in honor of a classmate and former football player who died earlier this week of cancer.
Jonathan Fluker, 17, passed away Monday. He had been diagnosed in 2009 and while he was declared cancer free later that year, it returned in 2013.
Before the game started, there wasn’t a score on the school’s jumbotron. Onstead it was Morristown-Hamblen High School’s superman, Jonathan Fluker.
“He was like the hero of our school. He was always just so nice and he brightened everyone’s day,” said student Emily Campbell.
His jersey and his number 76 were still on the field Friday night.
“He plays a big role in our team and a lot of people will be playing for him tonight,” added Campbell.
The stands cheered for Fluker too. Everyone dressed as Superman, remembering their young friend and classmate.
“I think that’s really cool,” said student Ashley Martin.
Many thought back to the time he lived up to his nickname.
“Last year he wore to the prom, under his tuxedo, he wore a superman shirt,” added Martin.
A big banner honored Fluker and a fight song, the superhero theme, at Friday night’s game was orchestrated by students.
“I’m just thankful to have known him,” said the school’s assistant principal Tim Landefeld.
Everyone in the football stadium remembered a young man whose smile could light up a room.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that he is here with us because he would not miss a Friday night football game,” said his best friend Lyric McCarroll.
The Fluker family will be receiving friends Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Arrowhead Church in Morristown. A service will then follow.
