Lewiston High School senior Natalie Beaudoin has launched a clothing collection embodying the resiliency and togetherness displayed in her hometown following the mass shootings that took place on Oct. 25.
Beaudoin, a basketball player committed to the University of Vermont, designed shirts sporting the “We Are Lew1ston” design after last month’s tragedy in town.
U.S. Army veteran Robert Card entered a local bowling alley and Schemengees Bar and Grille on Oct. 25, killing 18 people and injuring 13 others in the mass shooting.
Beaudoin said she was in Florida when she first caught wind of the shootings, immediately calling her parents to see if they were OK.
“When I heard the news, I was definitely shocked, it almost didn’t feel real,” Beaudoin recalls. “I called my parents because I knew they were out to dinner in that area and checked up on my friends and other family. It was definitely a scary night, but I knew we’d get through it together and come out of it a lot stronger.”
Beaudoin’s design came to fruition with the help of Pliable Marketing, a company specializing in athletic branding. Greg Glynn, the founder and CEO of Pliable, lauded Beaudoin for her initiative.
“When I heard about the mass shootings, I immediately thought about Natalie and her family,” Glynn told the Herald. “Knowing her personality, I knew she would want to find a way to help.”
Glynn said he met with Beaudoin on Zoom and listened to how she was feeling following the incident and how Pliable could aid in her desire to promote resiliency. The families impacted by the shootings, they said, will be receiving the full proceeds from all merchandise sales.
“I will always remember that Zoom call because in that moment, I saw the type of passion and commitment Natalie had for being part of the process and finding a way to support her city, state and country,” Glynn said. “I am so proud of Natalie for her courage and passion to take on this work, she is an amazing person and true Pliable athlete.”
“I think that as long as we stick together through this, we’re going to come out of it stronger and better than ever,” Beaudoin said.
The shirts come in a variety of colors and are available online at wearelewiston1.itemorder.com/shop/home/, with the store closing on March 1.
President Joe Biden visited Lewiston on Friday to pay his respects to those killed and injured in the shootings.
Biden’s remarks included the other mass shooting instances that have occurred throughout the nation. Beaudoin, immediately hearing of the incident, emphasized the belief she has in her community to rebound from the acts of violence.
“While we don’t have all the answers about this tragedy, there is one thing I do know. I am confident that our city, our community, and people across our great state of Maine will come together to support one another.”
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