Everson Guild

Everson Guild was the kind of person who made the world a brighter place simply by being himself. He was a middle school student with a fearless spirit—willing to try anything and everything. From football and wrestling to track and field, band, student council, quiz bowl, and PALS, Everson dove into every opportunity that came his way. He even had the chance to be on the cast of Curious Crew on WKAR PBS in East Lansing. He wasn't aiming for perfection—he was an A/B student (though he wasn't too thrilled about earning his first C in French in 8th grade!)—but he always gave his best effort.

Everson wasn't always the quietest in the room. He was known to blurt out answers and occasionally got reminders to tone it down. He wasn't always the most popular, and at times, he felt the sting of being misunderstood or even bullied. But none of that defined him.

What defined Everson was his heart. He was a bridge — a connector of people who might not have otherwise crossed paths. He saw those who felt invisible and pulled them into the light. He had a way of showing up for others in quiet, powerful ways. He made friends with those who sat alone. He offered help before being asked. He paid attention to what people needed, and he gave it freely—without expecting anything in return.

Everson was completely, unapologetically himself. For spirit week, he dressed as a '50s greaser, complete with rolled-up jeans, a leather jacket, and Crisco slicked through his hair. When Halloween costumes weren't allowed at school, he found a creative workaround—wearing a Sriracha sweatshirt and cap, transforming himself with a simple touch. (Spicy food, by the way, was one of his favorites—he loved trying anything with heat!) At his funeral, it became even more clear just how deeply Everson had touched others. One by one, brave classmates stood to share what he meant to them. Many said he was their first friend—the one who noticed them, sat with them, and reminded them they belonged.

Everson wasn't perfect—but he was real. And his vibrant, joyful, compassionate spirit continues to ripple outward in the lives of those who knew him and through every act of kindness inspired by his legacy.