On Sept. 8, 2022, everyone around the world, including Kaneland students and staff, was everything from shocked to concerned regarding the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

     The BBC, in an article called Queen Elizabeth II has died, states, “She died peacefully on Thursday afternoon at her Scottish estate, where she had spent most of her summer.” 

     On this day, Kaneland students and staff had mixed emotions about the Queen’s death. Because of this, many students took to social media and made this the most popular conversation of the day. 

     Kaneland choir director Bryan Kunstman said, “I was a little bit sad at what I heard some of the students’ responses were.” He said he overheard students in the cafeteria cheering once the news was announced. Later that day, he had to have a conversation with his class about how “that’s never a responsible or respectful response to anybody ever passing away.”

     Although those grieving may not be directly related to the Queen, they still felt for the families and citizens of the United Kingdom. 

     McDole Elementary School MTSS Coordinator Rob Gardner, who was born and raised in England, said, “It is a significant loss for the country. I was more conscious of other people I know that had a greater connection with the royal family. I was more concerned for them.”

     Despite the disappointment that stemmed from the students’ negative responses, Kunstman seemed to try and keep an optimistic outlook, looking past the poor replies. 

     Kunstman said, “When anyone passes away, I hope to have an initial empathetic response to feel for the family and their loss and [to have] compassion and hope that the family is doing okay with everything.”

     The sudden news of the Queen’s death brings up other concerns regarding the social culture of the United Kingdom and how things will change.

     “I think it will have a huge impact on the British economy because so much of the tourist industry, in London particularly, is geared around tourists coming to visit the Queen and the palace and being around that sort of culture,” Gardner said.

     Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom and ended her time on the throne after 70 years. Many people around the world mourn her loss and provide compassion to those that are affected the most.