James Forni was not only a teacher, but a coach, a Star Wars enthusiast, and a friend of many people. A group of students found ways to commemorate his achievements through Project SERVE. Seniors Matt Cotter and Anthony Newman have put together a short documentary film in recognition of his achievements, and seniors Kaleo Garrigan, Nic Petri, Connor Hanley, and Daniel Roberts built a memorial statue by the gym. Cotter commented on the focus of their film.

   Ultimately, what we wanted to accomplish was to create a movie where you would get a more rounded perspective of Mr. Forni, not just as an educator, a coach and a mentor; but as a friend, a brother, a co-worker and a student.”  

   The filmmakers have  made the film  entiltled “The Will To Win: A tribute to James Forni,” available on Youtube.

   The goal of the young men who built the Vincero memorial statue was a little bit different, however; they were also striving to create something that would represent who Forni was, and all that he accomplished. Garrigan reflects on the goal of the project.

   “We wanted to show that what he has done will live in us forever and wanted to put it in the school so that when we come back with our kids, we can show them what we are capable of, and that such a great human being should have a spot in this school forever,” said Garrigan.

   The statue took an incredible amount of dedication and hard work to put together. Petri talks about the effort that was put into the project, and what it meant to those involved.

   “I put in, after finally adding it all up, over 115 hours. It means a lot to know that we impacted so many people; not nearly as much as he impacted our community, but that we were able to reciprocate in some way.” said Petri.

   These projects are an embodiment of not only Forni’s wisdom and teachings, but of who he was, and he will live on through the statue, the film, and through all of us at this school. Petri made a statement in reflection of the entire project, and what they had been trying to achieve through creating the memorial statue.

   “One statement that could really address our project, I have it memorized and it’s on the plaque out there, it says ‘with sincere dedication to our teacher, coach, and friend, your optimistic outlook on life and inspirational legacy will live on in our hearts forever. Thanks for all that you have done.’ The plaque also says ‘this monument represents how James Forni looked at life, and that is to compete and to succeed in all that is attempted.’”