Lake Region H.S. lost a special friend and athlete on June 23, 2020 when 17-year-old Isaac Rawson died in a motor vehicle crash in Denmark. The news stunned the community, and left a deep pain for those who knew the promising teen.

Isaac’s impact upon the school and classmates runs deep. He touched many and has left a lasting impression.

To show their love for Isaac, LR sports teams dedicated their seasons in his memory. Some wear headbands with the name “Rawson” across the front. Blue and yellow cups have been inserted into the game-complex fence to spell out “Rawson.”

On Saturday, on what would have been his Senior Day game, Isaac was recognized in a special presentation before the Lakers took on Oxford Hills in a 7-on-7 touch football game match-up.

With his voice trembling somewhat over the public address system, Athletic Director Paul True paid tribute to the fallen Laker:

“The Number 37 is symbolic of strength, speed and agility.

The Number 37 represents a smile that would light up a room, a joke or dance move that would make you laugh, or a helping hand that would always be there when in need.

The Number 37 was Isaac Rawson.

The Class of 2021 lost a true gentleman and a friend in Isaac. This fall, every single team that dons a Laker uniform has in some way recognized the impact that Isaac has made in our community. These gestures, in Isaac’s remembrance, were all student driven and speaks volumes of how loved Isaac was and will continue to be.

Today, we honor Isaac by presenting his mother, Nicki Rawson, Isaac’s Number 37 football jersey. We hope his jersey will be a reminder of the strength Isaac possessed as an athlete, and the love that his school and community have for him.

Although taken from us too soon, we must admit that we were also so very blessed to have known him. Please help me in recognizing Nicki Rawson and Lisa LaFlamme as they are presented Isaac’s jersey. We thank Nicki and Lisa very much for joining us here today and please know that our thoughts and prayers and our continued support will last a lifetime and the Laker community will always be behind you when in need. Thank you for joining us today.”

With coaches behind them, LR players presented Isaac’s mom with #37.

The Lakers lost the game to the Vikings, but as sunshine lit up the gridiron, their hope was that Isaac was watching the game he loved and shared with them — and smiling.

Gone too soon, but will not be forgotten.