Students at La Vernia High School are in mourning after losing one their fellow students.

Early Friday morning, 15-year-old Linda Vela was struck and killed by a vehicle outside her home while she was waiting for the school bus.

"She was a gem ... a jewel. Everybody loved her," said Dr. Tom Harvey, La Vernia Schools superintendent.

As rumors spread around the school, it was finally confirmed to the students in third period.

"Everyone was crushed. It was devastating," said Ashton Huth, a classmate.

Vela was a member of the band and had just recently been inducted into the National Honor Society.

"I believe she's in a better place now and (I'll) just let her hold down the fort till we all get there, " said Kolby Huth, a fellow FCA member.

"She was a born again, spirit-filled leader. (She was) very passionate about her relationship with God" said Pastor Bobby Nixon, of Hope Church in La Vernia.

Vela comes from a family of faith so strong that after losing their daughter, her parents found strength to forgive.

"They have spoken with the one that was involved and forgiven him and prayed with him," Nixon said.

Now friends pray for the family and Linda

"Today she answered her trumpet blast," Nixon said.

A candlelight vigil is planned for Saturday night outside the band hall and the high school at 6:30 p.m.