Somerville High Schools students gathered for a vigil last Friday that they organized to honor CTE Director Leo DeSimone, who passed away unexpectedly last Tuesday. DeSimone was highly respected by both SHS students and staff, as expressed in a statement released by the school last week: “…he was a trusted, much-loved, and highly respected colleague, mentor, teacher, and friend. His compassion for his students was evident in the way he interacted with them on a daily basis; he was quick to offer a smile, a high five, and a word of encouragement. He took great pride in the exceptional work of his staff, his students, and his colleagues and was the ultimate team player, always putting the best interests of his school community ahead of his own. Leo’s work ethic and commitment to helping students find their professional passion was unparalleled.”