As Middle College students and staff, we come together not just to mourn, but to honor a young life lost far too soon. On May 7, a tragedy struck in Santa Ana when a 14-year-old high school freshman, Armando Morales was involved in a violent altercation with students from another school—an encounter that sadly ended his life that same day. Nearly two weeks have passed and his memory continues to echo through our community, inspiring unity, reflection, and a call for change.
Friends, students, and staff have poured out their love and gratitude both online and on the grounds of Santa Ana High School, where a touching memorial stands just in front of the campus. There lies a photograph of Morales, surrounded by candles and cherished items that reflect his personality and passions. His family and closest friends often return to this space, finding a sense of peace in simply being near the memory of someone they loved deeply. Though he is no longer here in person, his spirit continues to live on in the heart of the community. Even those who never knew him have been moved, but it is his closest friends who have shared the most powerful memories—offering a glimpse of who he was and how deeply he was cared for. Through their voices, Morales’ legacy is preserved—something the community can always look back on and carry forward, ensuring he is never forgotten.
One of his closest friends, David Burgos, a freshman at Santa Ana High School, shared his thoughts and memories with Morales— portraying the definition of brotherly-love.
“He was a very kind, funny and genuine person,” Burgos said. “He could’ve put a smile on anyone’s face without even trying.”
Burgos describes some of his favorite memories of him and Armando.
“My favorite memory of me and him was when we went to In-n-Out and after we went to Target, then we skated for a bit, or the time where we were prank calling places,” Burgos said.
Another one of Armando’s closest friends, Adalis Carillo, also a Santa Ana High School freshman, shares her fondest memories of her and Armando.
“Some of my favorite memories I had with Armando would be growing up with him. Ever since we were little we became best friends,” Carillo said.
In both Carillo’s and Burgos’ case, we can see how the concept of family often extends beyond blood ties; those closest to us consist of bonds with loyalty, love, and shared experience.
“He meant the world to me, he was such an amazing friend. He always puts a smile on my face. He always complimented me and that meant a lot to me. He was like a brother from another mother.” Burgos said.
Carillo reflects how family is not always defined by genetics, but the bonds and memories you created with one another over time, just like how her relationship built through Armando’s generosity.
“Armando’s family meant really much to my family. They would invite us to their house to eat when they would make dinner,” Carillo said. “Armando’s family once invited us to Armando’s birthday party at this house. I remember this well, that day we were eating pizza at the dinner table.”
When you truly love someone, you can go months or even years without speaking to them, yet when you reunite, it’s as if no time has passed. Carillo shares a personal story about her moment like this with Armando.
“He came to our house on my mom’s birthday, March 25th. My whole family was so surprised to see him because he had stopped coming over. On that day my mom loved talking to him because she would tell him how tall he got and the last time she had saw him he was so short,” Carillo said. “That day means so much to me… That day we went on a walk and he told us how much he missed us going over to his house.”
It’s clear that these weren’t just casual interactions, but cherished moments of connection. The invitation to Armando’s birthday party stands out, a simple yet meaningful moment of community. Carillo’s memory of them all sitting together around the dinner table, eating pizza, captures the kind of shared experiences that linger through the years— it’s not just about the meal, but the sense of togetherness that those moments symbolize.
Many of us may have not known about Armando, but his presence was in many hearts of our community. He was a friend, brother, son, and a student who had a lot more to live for. He planted a seed in his friends’ hearts and it nourished through his words and love, growing into a bond stronger than time itself.
Though his journey was cut short, his impact continues to bloom in the lives he touched. Armando reminded us of the power of kindness, the strength of support, and the importance of being there for one another. As we carry his memory forward, may we honor him by living with the same compassion and warmth he so naturally gave. Rest in peace, Armando — your light lives on in all of us.
