07/22/2025
โ๐๐ข๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ค๐ง๐จ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ฐ๐ก๐๐ง ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฎ๐, ๐ข๐ญโ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐จ๐จ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ง ๐๐ญ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ?โ
This is the exact quote my preschool son said to me as we ate breakfast, watching a crop duster soar through the sky and spray the lush cornfield on the morning of July 20, 2025. There was only one cloud in the sky when I learned about the tragic passing of Hallie Helgeson, a former high school student who shadowed me during the 2024-2025 school year in Montevideo. After reviewing messages from colleagues about Hallie, I looked up. That single cloud, alone in the vast sky, held deep symbolism for me. My son was right. It felt like someone was watching over me.
Iโve had the honor of taking several students during my career. Hallie was one of a kind. She spent between 2-3 hours with me weekly during the past school year learning about school-based occupational therapy. On December 6th, 2024, she texted me her acceptance letter to Lake Area Technical College to pursue a degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She was proud and excited to start her schooling after she graduated Montevideo High School in May 2025.
Hallie had a beautiful soul. We built a relationship, and she was always eager to jump right in to assist our students. Hallie asked questions, was curious, punctual, organized, intelligent, humorous, athletic, and most importantly, compassionate. Hallieโs love for others was evident as she walked into my office with a smile on her face every single time.
I am deeply saddened for Hallieโs passing. Gone way too soon. Take a moment. Stop what youโre doing, and look up in the sky. There is no doubt in my mind that Hallie is looking over us.
As our community mourns, please hold the Helgeson and Heiling families in your prayers. Let's be a source of strength for one another and find comfort in the presence of those who bring light and hope during this difficult time.
https://www.andersontebeest.com/obituaries/hallie-helgeson?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLrXUpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHix7ao0vdKOsbTY1lTj0HR_81xWcYn-AiWAnxhppE974R3djStwCxgqHUZIA_aem_HdVK_ziSTmhu22X6wHVj8Q
-Annika Swenson, OTR/L
