Cassidy A. Fritsch, 17, of Brookfield died Oct. 9, 2013.
A 2013 graduate of Riverside-Brookfield High School, Ms. Fritsch was a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison at the time of her death.
Ms. Fritsch was an outstanding student and an accomplished musician. At Riverside-Brookfield High School she earned several academic awards, including Advanced Placement Scholar of Distinction, the highest honor awarded by the College Board.
She also competed in the top level of the National German Exam, finishing seventh out of the 242 students who took the test. She was a gold medalist on the exam from 2010 to 2013. She took second place in the UIC German Essay Competition in 2012 and 2013.
“Cassidy Fritsch displayed a tremendous quest for knowledge and scholarship,” said Patricia Reaves, who teaches German at RBHS. “She added a wider global perspective by learning German, French and Icelandic, and she took part in an exchange program to Germany. … Her spirit will be with us.”
Ms. Fritsch was on the RBHS math team and captain of the calculator team from 2009-13. She was an Illinois State Scholar and earned the President’s Award for Academic Excellence. She also tutored students in German, French and math.
In addition, Ms. Fritsch competed on the RBHS girls swimming team and was a member of the school’s Scholastic Bowl team, National Honor Society and Bulldogs for Life.
“Cassidy epitomized the values of RB by proving that she was more than just smart; she was smart and good,” said RBHS Principal Pamela Bylsma in a letter sent to RBHS families on Oct. 11. “She has touched the lives of so many here at RB and will be deeply missed.”
As a musician, Ms. Fritsch was principal oboist for the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra from 2010-12. She also taught piano and oboe from 2010-12. At RBHS, she played oboe for two years and picked up the bass in her senior year, playing that instrument in the school’s Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Band.
“She was a very inspirational student,” said James Baum, who teaches music at RBHS. “She was the type of student who was very goal-driven. It seemed like every moment of everyday was spent trying to achieve her goals.”
At the Oct. 10 orchestra concert at RBHS, the ensemble honored Ms. Fritsch’s life by dedicating their performance of “Amazing Grace” to her.
Ms. Fritsch also participated in several volunteer programs. She was a server at the Chicago soup kitchen operated by the Franciscan Outreach Association, participated in the RBHS Day of Service and was a retirement home aide.
She was the daughter of Kathleen A. (Robert Arkbarally) Fritsch and Scott A. (Anna) Fritsch; the sister of Jonathan M. Fritsch and Alexandra O. Fritsch; the granddaughter of betty (Robert) Allen, Robert Tyrrel, Zorina Zamir, Alfred Arkbarally, Jean Mucha, Jan Mucha, the late Loyal Fritsch and Helen Tyrrel; and the niece, cousin and friend of many.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 14 at St. Louise de Marillac Church in LaGrange Park. Interment was private.
Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.
