Monclova Township native Reagan Tokes was kidnapped and murdered in February as she left her part-time job at a Columbus restaurant south of the Ohio State University campus. Ms. Tokes had been a four-year varsity tennis player at Anthony Wayne High School and was preparing for graduation from Ohio State this spring.
On Sunday, Ms. Tokes was awarded a bachelor of arts degree. Her family accepted the diploma from the university.
Here is a letter from the family of Ms. Tokes:
Reagan Delaney Tokes wanted to be a Buckeye ever since she was a little girl. Today her dream became a reality as she was awarded a diploma from The Ohio State University. As her parents and family, we are so proud of her and her accomplishment. It is heartbreaking that she was not able to accept the diploma herself but we are so grateful to the University for presenting it to us to accept for her.
The opportunity for a college education is a gift. Along with this gift one must also have desire, dedication, discipline and determination. Reagan had all of this and then some and so did all the other students today who received their diploma. We congratulate them on their achievement and ask that they take their gift and use it to make a difference in this world, make it a better place as Reagan wanted to do but now isn’t able to do so physically.
She has made a difference in this world however and her spirit all around us continues to do so. She has inspired so many to get involved, to bring about change, to love and care for one another and most importantly to restore and reaffirm their love for God. Love is ultimately the only thing that matters and love never fades away or dies. Love is also the most important ingredient of success. Without it, life echoes emptiness. With it, life vibrates warmth and meaning. Even in hardship, love shines through. The love we have for our daughter allows us to celebrate her accomplishment today and to find the strength to continue to live our lives and and try to make a difference in this world ourselves. Love overcomes everything including evil.
Once again our family has been so blessed by tremendous generosity and kindness the entire community has showered upon us this visit to Columbus. We are so humbly grateful for all the generous contributions and gestures that have been done for us and our family. Our hearts are constantly being replenished by all these acts of love.
May 8, 2017
With immeasurable gratitude and sincerity,
The Tokes Family
First Published May 8, 2017, 11:39 a.m.
