AUBURN -- Nearly 300 people rounded the Hoopes Park pond with candles as a tribute to an Auburn High School student who died Sunday.

Friends arranged a candlelight vigil Monday evening for Sarah E. Smith, 16, who died after the car she was riding in collided with a Centro bus.

The majority of the crowd were students. They remained quiet throughout the hour-long vigil, except for whispers and an occasional sob, muffled on the shoulder of a friend.

Even while reciting the Lord's Prayer, the crowd spoke softly. People exchanged hugs, pats on the back and kisses on the cheek.

Smith, a junior, was motivated and driven while being humble about her abilities, said Andrea Fusco, who was Smith's journalism class teacher.

"She had a wonderful sense of humor," Fusco said.

While some people in attendance didn't know her personally, her death affected them enough to stand in the cold for more than an hour.

Leah Petrosino said she was brought to tears by the thought of Smith dying so young.

"It's not fair," she said, taking comfort in her friend's arms.

Brianne Moshaty didn't know Smith, but was saddened by both her death, and watching classmates and Smith's family grieve.

"I see myself in other people's positions," said Moshaty, a sophomore.

High school officials allowed students to go to the library or guidance office if they feel they can't remain in class. Officials met after school Monday to decide how to assist the students.

For more on this story, read Tuesday's edition of The Citizen.