By: Morgan Rizzo | Co-Editor-in-Chief
A smile can go a long way. It can signal happiness and comfort. When someone is down, a smile can turn their day in the right direction. A smile is powerful. It radiates good vibes, cheerfulness and is often contagious. Drew Ceppetelli ‘23 of Salve Regina had the definition of a contagious, beautiful smile; one that will never be forgotten.
I remember the first time I met Drew during my sophomore year at Salve Regina like it was yesterday. One weekend, we were hanging out at a mutual friend’s house. Her smile and bubbly personality lit up the room. She happily introduced herself to me, and ever since, I was always greeted by that same smile and bubbly personality.
Every time I saw Drew on and off campus she was always smiling. From marketing classes I had with her to seeing and dancing with her out on the weekends, she radiated positivity and bright energy.
Although myself and many others only met Drew later on in our time at Salve Regina, some knew her from day one. Izzy Molteni was Drew’s freshman year roommate in Miley Hall. They met through a Salve Facebook group and immediately clicked.
“She was so welcoming and sweet, and I knew right off the bat I wanted to room with her,” reflects Izzy Molteni. “She was the best roommate.”
Since freshman year, the two stayed best friends. “Drew used to encourage me to say affirmations that she would repeat whenever she felt down,” says Molteni. “She would tell me to repeat after her as she said, ‘I am brave. I am bold. I am beautiful. Tonight is going to be a great night.”’
Her current roommates, Mady Whittaker and Lexi Coutu met Drew their sophomore year and quickly became inseparable. The communication and bond the three of them shared as best friends and roommates was beautiful.
“We met through friends, and our boyfriends are on the same football team, so we quickly bonded because we were just always together,” says Mady Whittaker.
Whittaker says she couldn’t have asked for a better friend or roommate. Drew was a one-in-a-million and a ride or die type of friend that everyone deserves to have.
“Living with Drew was the greatest blessing in my life,” reflects Whittaker. “Our friendship grew strong, we made more memories and spent every single day together.”
“She would pick me up on a bad day and lift me up even higher on a good day,” explains Lexi Coutu. “She’s the type of person who would choose to see the good in every situation and make you believe everything would work out the way it’s supposed to be.”
Drew was always there for Coutu no matter what, giving advice when she could or saying something totally outrageous just to make her smile.
“She truly was the sunshine every single day,” expresses Coutu. “I will cherish her forever.”
When not hanging out with her roommates, Drew was in the classroom working towards her bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration. Drew also loved to do yoga and meditate. She hoped to one day open a yoga studio combined with a holistic center to continue sharing her belief in the importance of mindfulness. Mend Yoga Studio in Newport, Rhode Island was her second home.
Out of the classroom and yoga studio, Drew was a motivated athlete and a part of Salve Regina’s Women’s Softball team where she formed relationships with her teammates and coaches. She was hardworking and would go to bed early for her 6 a.m. lifts and never once complained.
“Drew was the type of friend and teammate that I will never come across again in my lifetime,” says Sophia Strazza. “She was truly one of a kind and I am so grateful that our paths crossed during her short, incredible life.”
Drew simply wanted everyone to be loved in this world.
“She would want everyone that knew her to use this and to become the best versions of themselves possible because that was the kind of person she was,” says Strazza.
Drew’s best friends all share this radiating impact that Drew left on them during her short time here with them. The friend who always had their back.
“She was the only person who always had a smile on her face even when she had a bad day,” reflects Sonia Salamone. “Being able to know her was the best gift I ever received.”
Salamone explains that she radiated positivity, gratitude and always gave the best advice. Drew would tell you to never give up for a second.
Drew was truly a friend like no other.
Bela Santiago describes her as so gentle, kind-hearted, strong and intelligent with a soul filled with positivity. She is so grateful to have been loved by Drew and call her a best friend.
“You were one of the most beautiful humans I’ve ever met, both inside and out,” says Bela Santiago. “Nothing will ever dim the bright light you left on this earth.”
Amanda Schuld calls Drew a special one of a kind with a contagious smile. One who you could always rely on who made you happy.
Drew made the most out of every moment. Her radiant energy was inspiring. Jenna French explains she and her friends will keep her spirit alive by doing just what she would want them to do, and just be as happy, optimistic, and grateful as her.
“Drew always looked at the bright side of things and lived every moment to the fullest,” reflects Jenna French. “I can say she truly made me want to grow into a more optimistic and motivated person like she was.”
“She will forever have a special place in my heart, and I’m so happy that I got to spend the time with her that I did,” says Schuld.
“She never failed to speak her mind and always had the right things to say,” explains Taryn Terracino. “She was unapologetically herself and instilled confidence and positivity in those around her.”
Terracino will cherish the memories they made together and is honored to have been so close with a person who touched the lives of so many.
Drew truly did that. She touched the lives of so many people in and outside of the Salve Regina community. The upcoming graduating class of 2023 has lost an influential member who’s shining personality and big smile will be missed forever. Fly high Drew #7. Until we all meet you again.
A vigil of prayer and remembrance for Drew will take place in the Our Lady of Mercy Chapel at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 4. In honor of Drew, a Go Fund Me page has been created for her family.
Photo Credit: Mady Whittaker
