Students and family remember Johnny 'the brave' Teis April 21

GRAVETTE — Dozens of bright green balloons floated into the sky from the playground at Glenn Duffy Elementary School in Gravette the morning of Saturday, April 21, to honor the memory of Johnny “The Brave” Teis who lost his battle with a brain tumor April 21 last year.

Johnny, a second grader, became an inspiration to all of Gravette and the area during his illness, and his bravery resulted in his “The Brave” title.

A sturdy pin oak tree was planted in the school yard and his classmates, now third graders, took part inthe brief ceremony which included the release of the balloons which headed skyward.

At the base of the tree, shown in the photo, a plaque was installed which reads: “In Memory of Johnny 'The Brave’ Teis. 8/1/02 - 4/21/11. Class of 2021.”

Clustered around the plaque are his father, Rob (standing), his mother, Amanda (from the left) and siblings, Emma, Robbie, Kendrick and Abby.

Many friends and classmates were wearing “Johnny’s Team” tee shirts which hundreds of supporters wore at a special ceremony in Johnny’s honor in February 2011.