The International School of Indiana community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Benjamin Wade, a bright and beloved Grade 8 student whose passing earlier this week has left a profound void. Ben was not only an exceptional student but also a cherished friend, teammate, and classmate whose kindness, spirit, and enthusiasm touched many lives. His passing is a devastating loss, and we come together in love and remembrance to honor the remarkable young person he was.
Ben was deeply woven into the fabric of school life. He brought passion and energy to everything he participated in—whether on the soccer field, during spirited Dungeons & Dragons sessions, or while thoughtfully engaging in Model United Nations. His curiosity, creativity, and leadership were evident in every activity he embraced. Teachers and friends alike describe Ben as someone who approached challenges with determination, conversations with sincerity, and friendships with warmth. He had a way of making others feel included and valued, a gift that made a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to know him.
He was a loving brother to Sam, a Grade 7 student, and a devoted son to his parents, Victoria and Jon. The Wade family has long been a treasured part of the ISI community, known for their kindness, involvement, and generous spirit. The pain of their loss is unimaginable, and the entire school community grieves alongside them. In moments like these, words can only offer small comfort, but they reflect the immense admiration and affection so many held for Ben.
Those who knew him speak of a young man filled with promise—a student who excelled academically, a teammate who lifted others up, and a friend whose humor and gentle nature made even the ordinary moments special. His absence will be felt daily, in classrooms, on the soccer field, around gaming tables, and in the hearts of students and staff alike.
As we mourn, we also choose to celebrate Ben’s life: the joy he brought, the friendships he strengthened, and the goodness he embodied. Though his time with us was far too short, his influence endures in the memories he created and the lives he touched.
To the Wade family, please know that you are surrounded by a community that cares deeply. May you find strength in the love that surrounds you, comfort in the beautiful memories you shared with Ben, and peace in knowing that his spirit lives on in all who knew him. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.