Gabrielle Pearson
The necklace 14-year-old Gabrielle Pearson wears references John 15:13, a Bible verse that guides her life and honors her late father.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends," reads the verse.
It was given to her when her father, Senior Corrections Officer Al-Mustafa Pearson, who was killed in the line of duty in 2020, was honored for the first time.
"My life has a crack that cannot be filled with concrete or sewn back together. The only person who can help me heal is God above."
Gabrielle is a ninth grader and an honor student with a 3.85 GPA at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, where she enjoys her Italian class and performing in theater productions.
She also enjoys writing and drawing. "I like fantasy stories," she said.
"I've been a part of St. Matthew since I was in my mother's womb," she said. "I've always loved singing. My mom has videos of me. It is great to be able to sing for the glory of God." She regularly attends Sunday School at St. Matthew.
Gabrielle and her mother, Elaine Pearson, are also active in Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), an organization that supports families of fallen officers. Mrs. Pearson is a retired police officer.
Because of COPS, Gabrielle said she has been able to connect with "other kids from other states. I've met people from Georgia, California and I am in group chats. We sometimes text each other or call."
"She is able to connect with other children dealing with some type of death," Mrs. Pearson said. Gabrielle has also participated in Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) activities, Toys for Tots, the Student Movement Against Cancer, and made cards for hospitalized kids.
Gabrielle said she hopes to attend college and eventually pursue a career in law. "There's a lot of crazy things going on in the world," she said. "I would like to fight for others, especially those who don't have a voice."
By Sandra Long Weaver