Lakewood Students Come Together to Mourn Slain Classmate

Following the murder of their classmate, Sherwon Wanzo, students at are coming together to mourn his death.

The students have held vigils at the site where the near Bosworth Road and Linnet Avenue on Cleveland’s west side early Sunday morning. 

They’ve come with flowers, personal notes and candles.

Students at Lakewood High School crafted and signed two large banners at the school on Monday, the first day back from their spring break. The banner was presented to Wanzo’s father after school. 

Student council began making black and blue ribbons, and are preparing for a sale, with the proceeds benefiting Wanzo’s family for funeral arrangements. Other students began designing and selling T-shirts. 

“It’s been a community effort, far beyond the school and the students,” said principal William Wagner. “I cannot say enough the wonderful work of the students, how positive they’ve been, how supportive they’ve been of each other.”

On Sunday, classmates remembered Wanzo as a well-liked friend to many, who had a charming personality and was quick to crack a smile.

His death has left many with unanswered questions. 

He was shot in the head as he sat in a vehicle after he left a party on Cleveland’s west side, according to reports.

The driver headed back toward the party on Bosworth Avenue and called for help. Wanzo was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 5:43 a.m.

The driver was unable to describe the shooters.

At Lakewood High School, the administration wasted no time bringing in counselors and psychologists to offer individual and group therapy for those who needed counseling.

Wagner was returning from a school ski trip in Colorado when he received the news of Wanzo’s death. He quickly assembled a crisis response team.

“(Monday) was certainly a challenging day,” he said. “Sherwon was very well-liked. It’s been a difficult time.” 

“The staff has gone above and beyond the call of duty to take care of these students. We’re going to do what we do best, and that’s take care of kids.”

The school will continue offering counseling, and students will be allowed to take the day off of school for Wanzo’s funeral.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sherwon’s family,” said Lakewood Superintendent Jeff Patterson. “At the same time, I am heartened to hear how our student body and our teachers and administrators responded.”

“Unfortunately, in my career, I’ve been through this too many times.” 

A detective with the Cleveland Police Department told Lakewood Patch that anyone with information is encouraged to call the the Homicide Unit at 216-623-5464.