If the mountain of casseroles and desserts spilling into the kitchen and dining room did not give away that the family had been going through something traumatic, then maybe the deafening silence of the empty house would.

As she strides around Lakota East High School, no one would know that when Cecily Hrenko was five, her father had to “try to explain to her that her mom wouldn’t be coming home again.”

Hrenko said the car crash stole her mom Adrienne Hrenko away in the blink of an eye and it denied her the chance to grow up with her number-one cheerleader.

But, her father said that does not stop her. It does not burden her. It does not define her. The bubbly, outgoing teenager said she channels the love for her mother into her daily life by working hard, going to church, and putting people around her first.

“I know that I wouldn’t have the life I have now if she were still around,” said Hrenko. “I’m really happy where everything is at and I know I’ll see her again someday.”

Everyone sees the strength she shows to make her mom proud; especially her best friend, Savannah Robertson.

“She’s everything, everywhere, all at once,” said Robertson. “[Even] when she’s waving her arms around like one of those balloon guys at the car dealerships, saying ridiculous things, there’s still life and thought behind every word.”

Robertson said that Hrenko always has a smile, states her opinion, and sees the humor in every situation.

Hrenko has no doubt that her mother looks down from Heaven and watches her daughter grow and live her life. She knows that her mom can see the good student, kind friend, and loving daughter that she strives to be.

Hrenko walks around with her head up and her eyes ablaze. Those around her are constantly impacted by her strong presence, lively energy, and sharp intellect. She is strong. She is optimistic. She is Cecily.