G-A community mourns death of energetic Kiel
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

At his 2007 graduation, Kiel Bobbitt (shown in the inset playing soccer for the Blue Devils) was still the biggest fan of the Greencastle-Antrim High School Blue Devils. He wore a blue wig and big smile during the ceremony.

A day of promise and sunshine and the frivolity of spring turned to numbness, shock and grief by mid-afternoon Thursday as teenagers at Greencastle Antrim High School learned that their friend and 2007 graduate Kiel Bobbitt had died that morning.

Bobbitt, a freshman at Californina University of Pennsylvania, died unexpectedly at 8:34 a.m. May 1. His death is under investigation but no foul play is suspected, according to the Washington County Coroner's office. Bobbitt lived in a residence hall but was found in an off-campus apartment. The cause of death is pending toxicology tests.

As word spread thoughout the community, young and old alike were stunned that such a lively person was gone. Bobbitt was comfortable in front of audiences and took center stage on many occasions. He emceed sports Pep Rallies and the school talent show and was announcer at various G-AHS events.

Bobbitt was voted Class Clown by his peers and for the yearbook entry donned a jester hat, big sunglasses and a red nose.

"What can you say? He was a great kid," said Kevin Carley, Assistant Principal and head of the drama department during the young man's tenure. "He was the heart of everything while he was here."

Bobbitt performed in four musicals. He played the lead role Frank Butler in 'Annie Get Your Gun' last spring. He was Bela Zangler in 'Crazy for You,' the King in 'Cinderella' and Will in 'Oklahoma.' He also stepped in at the last minute to take over a major role in the play 'Murder at the Coppersmith Inn' the fall of his senior year.

Winifred Harvie, retired high school choral instructor, wrote about Bobbitt in her weekly newspaper column after the four-night run of 'Annie.'

"I want to compliment Kiel Bobbitt. During the two nights I attended, he was outstanding. Whenever this young man does anything, he totally involves himself. He gives it every ounce of energy he has. He has great attention to detail, and always delivers. By the way, he wasn't bad at the Pep Rally for the basketball team on Friday. I sincerely hope that his voice held up for the last two performances. Kiel, you will certainly be missed by many when ou graduate this June. Great job, congratulations."

Bobbitt was in the Concert Choir and named Most Improved Bass as a junior. He was in County Chorus as a senior.

"This is a tragic loss," Principal Ed Rife said. "He was somebody so many people were close to. He was a motivator, a good all-around kid. He will be missed by many."

Counselors were in the school Friday to help grieving students. The atmosphere was subdued, sad.

While a student Bobbitt was active in a number of other activities, playing Blue Devil soccer, serving as class historian and a member of Peer Leaders. He served on Praise and Worship teams with church youth groups, was a member of Young Life and took mission trips to Philadelphia and New York.

At California University he played rugby.

He is survived by his parents, Tony and Lori Bobbitt, sisters Katy and Ema, and his paternal grandmother.

His funeral is 2 p.m. May 7 at Antrim Brethren in Christ Church, with burial in the Salem Ridge Mennonite Church cemetery.