West Stewartstown, New Hampshire - August 2, 2011
"As a community this really hits hard," said Joanne Reincourt, who knew Celina Cass.
The small community of West Stewartstown is still in shock over the news of 11-year-old Celina's death.
"Very sweet girl, quiet, shy, a little sadness in her eyes," Reincourt said.
"She was a normal, average young girl. She had an exceptional smile. She couldn't help enough, do enough. She was just a young, sweet girl," said Beth Simpkins, a former aide at Stewartstown Community School.
Celina was a fifth-grader at Stewartstown Community School, where she won several awards for her help in the kitchen. She also made sure her classmates stayed safe.
"On the playground, if we were outside and if there was an altercation or kids not getting along, she would come up and let us know," Simpkins said.
Her school may have been small, but Celina was not. Since her school did not have an athletics program, the 5'5" 11-year-old played center on the Canaan girls basketball team.
A counselor will be on hand this week to talk to grieving students.
"She will be here all day tomorrow if kids feel the need to talk to her," said Debbie Lynch, the principal of Canaan Schools.
The police investigation continues into Celina Cass' death. Tuesday, forensic investigators once again searched the area where Celina's body was found in the Connecticut River. They focused on a cement wall near an old rail bridge, and also scoured through high grass.
A quarter of a mile down the street, state troopers continue to guard Celina Cass' home. Crime scene tape is again around the home. And investigators also placed a blue tarp over a silver vehicle parked in the driveway. Neighbors say that vehicle belongs to Celina's stepfather.
"She's going to be sadly missed by all of us," Simpkins said.
Matt Henson - WCAX News
Related Stories:
Parents struggle to explain what happened to Celina
Stepfather of Celina Cass out of hospital
NH town to hold fair despite death of girl
Community mourns Celina Cass
Authorities confirm body of missing 11-year old girl found in the CT River
Reward offered in case of missing NH girl
Police investigate hundreds of leads on missing NH girl
Police step up search for missing NH girl
Police ask for public's help in finding missing NH girl
Where is Celina? 11-year-old NH girl disappears
Police search for missing NH girl
Adam Laro
