Published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Victoria Heil hoped to parlay a natural aptitude for math into a career in civil engineering.
Though still a senior at Woodstock High School, the 18-year-old varsity football cheerleader already had completed some basic college courses through a joint enrollment program at Kennesaw State University.
"She had her life on track," said Tyler Pischke, a student at KSU and the longtime boyfriend of Victoria's sister, Alexandra.
Victoria died early Sunday in the second wreck over the long Christmas weekend to kill a Cherokee County teenager.
Brittany Elaine Weiss, a 19-year-old college student and graduate of Cherokee High School, died Friday in a crash involving a suspected drunken driver.
"To have these two back to back and two so close in age is just very tragic," said Cherokee County Coroner Earl Darby.
Victoria was killed when her Jeep Wrangler struck a guardrail and overturned about 12:20 a.m. Sunday on I-575, near Towne Lake Parkway. She was alone in the vehicle and not wearing a seat belt, the State Patrol said.
"It looks like she just bobbled off the road and overcorrected," the coroner said.
Kelly Burke, chair of the science department at Woodstock High, taught advance placement physics to Victoria in her junior year and described the teenager's math abilities as "just rare."
"She had a very bright future," Burke said.
Victoria scored 780 out of a possible 800 on the math portion of the SAT, her father, Gregory Heil, said.
"Her goal was a perfect score," he said.
She was a member of the National Honor Society, and her skills in math earned her a place last year in the Governor's Honors Program, said her mother, Amy Heil, a paraprofessional in special education at Woodstock High.
Sometimes, during lunch breaks at school, Victoria would go to her mother's classroom and tutor some of the students who were struggling with math.
"The kids just adored her," she said.
Bobby Ehrhardt, Victoria's brother-in-law, said the teen was "full of life, extremely outgoing and friendly.
"The minute you met her she was your best friend," he said.
She had several passions, her family said, including her Catholic faith and her love of athletics, the outdoors and a good game of cribbage with her father.
Spending time with her family was a priority, sisters Katherine and Alexandra said.
"She was my best friend," said Alexandra, a junior at the University of Georgia. She said the two would routinely bunk together so they could chat into the night about boys and other subjects.
"Even over Christmas, we did that," Alexandra said.
Gregory Heil said he remembers one night finding Victoria still up as midnight approached. A friend's birthday was the next day, and she wanted to be the first person to text her good wishes. "She always wanted people to feel special," he said.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
from www.mem.com
"Anything is possible." That is what Victoria Elizabeth Heil believed about life. She was a creative woman, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting her. She had faith in her ability to find those solutions. Victoria thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. She possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Victoria was a person who believed that she could achieve whatever she set out to do.
Victoria was born on October 2, 1990 at Fairview Ridges Hospital in `Burnsville, Minnesota. Her parents were Gregory J. And Amy E. Heil. Victoria was raised in Burnsville, Minnesota, Montgomery, Alabama and Woodstock, Georgia. She showed her ingenuity even as a child. When she was confronted with a problem, Victoria could develop an imaginative solution, and she derived satisfaction from knowing she had that ability.
This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Victoria's family relationships. Victoria was raised with two siblings. She had two older sisters, Katherine and Alexandra. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Victoria was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.
As a young girl, Victoria could be found building and inventing new and different things. She was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. Victoria took part in softball, basketball, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, ballet and cheerleading. She was a member of the Beta Club, National Honors Society, Cherokee County Teen Leadership and Math Team. In her spare time she liked to go bike riding, snow skiing, shopping, tubing and wakeboarding on the lake. Victoria's memorable achievements included the AIM Program in Elementary.
Endowed with an appetite for knowing how her world worked, Victoria enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved dissecting and probing the unknown. Victoria was adept at scrutinizing different possibilities and designing innovative solutions. She would have graduated from Woodstock High School in May, 2009. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was all of them because she excelled at all of them! Victoria loved all of her teachers, her favorites were Mr. Hahn, Mrs. Burke, Mrs. Harper, Coach K and Coach Buddy. In addition to scoring 1020 on her SAT in the 7th grade and 780 on the math section on her SAT she also was in the Governor's Program and was involved in Cherokee County Teen Leadership.
Because she was a quick thinker and adept at picking up on new things. She was always on a quest for knowledge and she relished the experience. Theories intrigued her, and she was good at solving complex problems. She always wanted to understand rather than judge. She planned on getting her degree in engineering.
Victoria was socially resourceful, an expressive person who was willing to try new things. These qualities drew a lively circle of friends around her. Always interested in her friends' activities and interests, Victoria was uncritical of her acquaintances. She was sought after by people who recognized that she was generous with her time and energy, and these same friends found Victoria to be very stimulating company. Victoria's humor and curiosity were contagious for those around her. While growing up, some of her best friends were Rachel Oxley, Mary Barnett, Carrie Williams, Katie Thomason, Nicole Martinez, Darby Hess, Maddie Henriquez, Jordan Day and Chris Ford. Later in life, she became friends with Robert Muniz, Tyler Pischke, Brittany Heap Taylor Trotter, Shawn Haley, Jamie Phillips, Nick Ross, Katie Totten, Sam Wilson, Chase Pickett, Marcus Carsen, Justin Thompson, Alex Filitor, Mitchell Pinon, Drew Shields and Ben.
As a born inventor, Victoria was definitely in her element in her work place. She could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Victoria was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. She could assess all of the options before her and, using her analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. Her personal initiative inspired those around her. Victoria was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. Her primary occupation was baby sitting for Deer Run. Victoria always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.
Victoria's calm demeanor and eternally positive outlook served her well in sports. In high school, Victoria played basketball, and was a cheerleader for 4 years on Varsity Football Squad. Victoria was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were Arkansas Razorbacks football and basketball.
Victoria's talents were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something she did throughout her life. She enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in most any situation. Victoria could bring a breath of fresh air to any organization, simply by introducing her novel ideas and problem solving strategies. In high school, Victoria was a member of the Beta Club, National Honors Society, Cherokee Teen Leadership and Math Team.
Faith and religion were important to Victoria. She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church for 15 years. During that time, she was an altar server.
With all of her talents, her ingenuity, her solutions and inventiveness, it is no surprise that Victoria received public recognition for her competence. With the drive and ability to meet any challenge, Victoria accumulated a long list of achievements throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Governor's Honors for Mathematics and numerous other math and leadership awards.
Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Victoria. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Victoria to expand her ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included Panama City Beach, Colorado Mountains and Grandma Heils lakehouse on Greer's Ferry.
Victoria was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Victoria's favorites was Snuggles, a Shih-tzu dog. They were best friends for 13 years. Her family was rounded out by her multiple hamsters, fish and Shih-tzu Max.
Victoria passed away in a car accident in Woodstock, Georgia. She is survived by her parents, Gregory J. and Amy E. Heil, sisters, Katherine and Alexandra, brother-in-law Bobby Ehrhardt, niece Ava, grandparents, Mary Heil, William Edward and Sandra Morris and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Services were held at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Woodstock, Georgia. Victoria was laid to rest in The Garden of the Sacred Heart at Kennesaw Memorial Park in Marietta, Georgia.
During her lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Victoria. She met the words "it can't be done" with the enthusiastic challenge of a "wanna bet" attitude. Victoria was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around her could not. For Victoria, the traditional way of doing things fell short of her expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Victoria Elizabeth Heil, the fun of living her life could be found in the challenge.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Victoria Heil hoped to parlay a natural aptitude for math into a career in civil engineering.
Though still a senior at Woodstock High School, the 18-year-old varsity football cheerleader already had completed some basic college courses through a joint enrollment program at Kennesaw State University.
"She had her life on track," said Tyler Pischke, a student at KSU and the longtime boyfriend of Victoria's sister, Alexandra.
Victoria died early Sunday in the second wreck over the long Christmas weekend to kill a Cherokee County teenager.
Brittany Elaine Weiss, a 19-year-old college student and graduate of Cherokee High School, died Friday in a crash involving a suspected drunken driver.
"To have these two back to back and two so close in age is just very tragic," said Cherokee County Coroner Earl Darby.
Victoria was killed when her Jeep Wrangler struck a guardrail and overturned about 12:20 a.m. Sunday on I-575, near Towne Lake Parkway. She was alone in the vehicle and not wearing a seat belt, the State Patrol said.
"It looks like she just bobbled off the road and overcorrected," the coroner said.
Kelly Burke, chair of the science department at Woodstock High, taught advance placement physics to Victoria in her junior year and described the teenager's math abilities as "just rare."
"She had a very bright future," Burke said.
Victoria scored 780 out of a possible 800 on the math portion of the SAT, her father, Gregory Heil, said.
"Her goal was a perfect score," he said.
She was a member of the National Honor Society, and her skills in math earned her a place last year in the Governor's Honors Program, said her mother, Amy Heil, a paraprofessional in special education at Woodstock High.
Sometimes, during lunch breaks at school, Victoria would go to her mother's classroom and tutor some of the students who were struggling with math.
"The kids just adored her," she said.
Bobby Ehrhardt, Victoria's brother-in-law, said the teen was "full of life, extremely outgoing and friendly.
"The minute you met her she was your best friend," he said.
She had several passions, her family said, including her Catholic faith and her love of athletics, the outdoors and a good game of cribbage with her father.
Spending time with her family was a priority, sisters Katherine and Alexandra said.
"She was my best friend," said Alexandra, a junior at the University of Georgia. She said the two would routinely bunk together so they could chat into the night about boys and other subjects.
"Even over Christmas, we did that," Alexandra said.
Gregory Heil said he remembers one night finding Victoria still up as midnight approached. A friend's birthday was the next day, and she wanted to be the first person to text her good wishes. "She always wanted people to feel special," he said.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
from www.mem.com
"Anything is possible." That is what Victoria Elizabeth Heil believed about life. She was a creative woman, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting her. She had faith in her ability to find those solutions. Victoria thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. She possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Victoria was a person who believed that she could achieve whatever she set out to do.
Victoria was born on October 2, 1990 at Fairview Ridges Hospital in `Burnsville, Minnesota. Her parents were Gregory J. And Amy E. Heil. Victoria was raised in Burnsville, Minnesota, Montgomery, Alabama and Woodstock, Georgia. She showed her ingenuity even as a child. When she was confronted with a problem, Victoria could develop an imaginative solution, and she derived satisfaction from knowing she had that ability.
This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Victoria's family relationships. Victoria was raised with two siblings. She had two older sisters, Katherine and Alexandra. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Victoria was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.
As a young girl, Victoria could be found building and inventing new and different things. She was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. Victoria took part in softball, basketball, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, ballet and cheerleading. She was a member of the Beta Club, National Honors Society, Cherokee County Teen Leadership and Math Team. In her spare time she liked to go bike riding, snow skiing, shopping, tubing and wakeboarding on the lake. Victoria's memorable achievements included the AIM Program in Elementary.
Endowed with an appetite for knowing how her world worked, Victoria enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved dissecting and probing the unknown. Victoria was adept at scrutinizing different possibilities and designing innovative solutions. She would have graduated from Woodstock High School in May, 2009. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was all of them because she excelled at all of them! Victoria loved all of her teachers, her favorites were Mr. Hahn, Mrs. Burke, Mrs. Harper, Coach K and Coach Buddy. In addition to scoring 1020 on her SAT in the 7th grade and 780 on the math section on her SAT she also was in the Governor's Program and was involved in Cherokee County Teen Leadership.
Because she was a quick thinker and adept at picking up on new things. She was always on a quest for knowledge and she relished the experience. Theories intrigued her, and she was good at solving complex problems. She always wanted to understand rather than judge. She planned on getting her degree in engineering.
Victoria was socially resourceful, an expressive person who was willing to try new things. These qualities drew a lively circle of friends around her. Always interested in her friends' activities and interests, Victoria was uncritical of her acquaintances. She was sought after by people who recognized that she was generous with her time and energy, and these same friends found Victoria to be very stimulating company. Victoria's humor and curiosity were contagious for those around her. While growing up, some of her best friends were Rachel Oxley, Mary Barnett, Carrie Williams, Katie Thomason, Nicole Martinez, Darby Hess, Maddie Henriquez, Jordan Day and Chris Ford. Later in life, she became friends with Robert Muniz, Tyler Pischke, Brittany Heap Taylor Trotter, Shawn Haley, Jamie Phillips, Nick Ross, Katie Totten, Sam Wilson, Chase Pickett, Marcus Carsen, Justin Thompson, Alex Filitor, Mitchell Pinon, Drew Shields and Ben.
As a born inventor, Victoria was definitely in her element in her work place. She could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Victoria was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. She could assess all of the options before her and, using her analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. Her personal initiative inspired those around her. Victoria was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. Her primary occupation was baby sitting for Deer Run. Victoria always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.
Victoria's calm demeanor and eternally positive outlook served her well in sports. In high school, Victoria played basketball, and was a cheerleader for 4 years on Varsity Football Squad. Victoria was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were Arkansas Razorbacks football and basketball.
Victoria's talents were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something she did throughout her life. She enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in most any situation. Victoria could bring a breath of fresh air to any organization, simply by introducing her novel ideas and problem solving strategies. In high school, Victoria was a member of the Beta Club, National Honors Society, Cherokee Teen Leadership and Math Team.
Faith and religion were important to Victoria. She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church for 15 years. During that time, she was an altar server.
With all of her talents, her ingenuity, her solutions and inventiveness, it is no surprise that Victoria received public recognition for her competence. With the drive and ability to meet any challenge, Victoria accumulated a long list of achievements throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Governor's Honors for Mathematics and numerous other math and leadership awards.
Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Victoria. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Victoria to expand her ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included Panama City Beach, Colorado Mountains and Grandma Heils lakehouse on Greer's Ferry.
Victoria was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Victoria's favorites was Snuggles, a Shih-tzu dog. They were best friends for 13 years. Her family was rounded out by her multiple hamsters, fish and Shih-tzu Max.
Victoria passed away in a car accident in Woodstock, Georgia. She is survived by her parents, Gregory J. and Amy E. Heil, sisters, Katherine and Alexandra, brother-in-law Bobby Ehrhardt, niece Ava, grandparents, Mary Heil, William Edward and Sandra Morris and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Services were held at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Woodstock, Georgia. Victoria was laid to rest in The Garden of the Sacred Heart at Kennesaw Memorial Park in Marietta, Georgia.
During her lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Victoria. She met the words "it can't be done" with the enthusiastic challenge of a "wanna bet" attitude. Victoria was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around her could not. For Victoria, the traditional way of doing things fell short of her expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Victoria Elizabeth Heil, the fun of living her life could be found in the challenge.
Published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Victoria Heil hoped to parlay a natural aptitude for math into a career in civil engineering.
Though still a senior at Woodstock High School, the 18-year-old varsity football cheerleader already had completed some basic college courses through a joint enrollment program at Kennesaw State University.
"She had her life on track," said Tyler Pischke, a student at KSU and the longtime boyfriend of Victoria's sister, Alexandra.
Victoria died early Sunday in the second wreck over the long Christmas weekend to kill a Cherokee County teenager.
Brittany Elaine Weiss, a 19-year-old college student and graduate of Cherokee High School, died Friday in a crash involving a suspected drunken driver.
"To have these two back to back and two so close in age is just very tragic," said Cherokee County Coroner Earl Darby.
Victoria was killed when her Jeep Wrangler struck a guardrail and overturned about 12:20 a.m. Sunday on I-575, near Towne Lake Parkway. She was alone in the vehicle and not wearing a seat belt, the State Patrol said.
"It looks like she just bobbled off the road and overcorrected," the coroner said.
Kelly Burke, chair of the science department at Woodstock High, taught advance placement physics to Victoria in her junior year and described the teenager's math abilities as "just rare."
"She had a very bright future," Burke said.
Victoria scored 780 out of a possible 800 on the math portion of the SAT, her father, Gregory Heil, said.
"Her goal was a perfect score," he said.
She was a member of the National Honor Society, and her skills in math earned her a place last year in the Governor's Honors Program, said her mother, Amy Heil, a paraprofessional in special education at Woodstock High.
Sometimes, during lunch breaks at school, Victoria would go to her mother's classroom and tutor some of the students who were struggling with math.
"The kids just adored her," she said.
Bobby Ehrhardt, Victoria's brother-in-law, said the teen was "full of life, extremely outgoing and friendly.
"The minute you met her she was your best friend," he said.
She had several passions, her family said, including her Catholic faith and her love of athletics, the outdoors and a good game of cribbage with her father.
Spending time with her family was a priority, sisters Katherine and Alexandra said.
"She was my best friend," said Alexandra, a junior at the University of Georgia. She said the two would routinely bunk together so they could chat into the night about boys and other subjects.
"Even over Christmas, we did that," Alexandra said.
Gregory Heil said he remembers one night finding Victoria still up as midnight approached. A friend's birthday was the next day, and she wanted to be the first person to text her good wishes. "She always wanted people to feel special," he said.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
from www.mem.com
"Anything is possible." That is what Victoria Elizabeth Heil believed about life. She was a creative woman, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting her. She had faith in her ability to find those solutions. Victoria thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. She possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Victoria was a person who believed that she could achieve whatever she set out to do.
Victoria was born on October 2, 1990 at Fairview Ridges Hospital in `Burnsville, Minnesota. Her parents were Gregory J. And Amy E. Heil. Victoria was raised in Burnsville, Minnesota, Montgomery, Alabama and Woodstock, Georgia. She showed her ingenuity even as a child. When she was confronted with a problem, Victoria could develop an imaginative solution, and she derived satisfaction from knowing she had that ability.
This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Victoria's family relationships. Victoria was raised with two siblings. She had two older sisters, Katherine and Alexandra. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Victoria was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.
As a young girl, Victoria could be found building and inventing new and different things. She was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. Victoria took part in softball, basketball, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, ballet and cheerleading. She was a member of the Beta Club, National Honors Society, Cherokee County Teen Leadership and Math Team. In her spare time she liked to go bike riding, snow skiing, shopping, tubing and wakeboarding on the lake. Victoria's memorable achievements included the AIM Program in Elementary.
Endowed with an appetite for knowing how her world worked, Victoria enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved dissecting and probing the unknown. Victoria was adept at scrutinizing different possibilities and designing innovative solutions. She would have graduated from Woodstock High School in May, 2009. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was all of them because she excelled at all of them! Victoria loved all of her teachers, her favorites were Mr. Hahn, Mrs. Burke, Mrs. Harper, Coach K and Coach Buddy. In addition to scoring 1020 on her SAT in the 7th grade and 780 on the math section on her SAT she also was in the Governor's Program and was involved in Cherokee County Teen Leadership.
Because she was a quick thinker and adept at picking up on new things. She was always on a quest for knowledge and she relished the experience. Theories intrigued her, and she was good at solving complex problems. She always wanted to understand rather than judge. She planned on getting her degree in engineering.
Victoria was socially resourceful, an expressive person who was willing to try new things. These qualities drew a lively circle of friends around her. Always interested in her friends' activities and interests, Victoria was uncritical of her acquaintances. She was sought after by people who recognized that she was generous with her time and energy, and these same friends found Victoria to be very stimulating company. Victoria's humor and curiosity were contagious for those around her. While growing up, some of her best friends were Rachel Oxley, Mary Barnett, Carrie Williams, Katie Thomason, Nicole Martinez, Darby Hess, Maddie Henriquez, Jordan Day and Chris Ford. Later in life, she became friends with Robert Muniz, Tyler Pischke, Brittany Heap Taylor Trotter, Shawn Haley, Jamie Phillips, Nick Ross, Katie Totten, Sam Wilson, Chase Pickett, Marcus Carsen, Justin Thompson, Alex Filitor, Mitchell Pinon, Drew Shields and Ben.
As a born inventor, Victoria was definitely in her element in her work place. She could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Victoria was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. She could assess all of the options before her and, using her analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. Her personal initiative inspired those around her. Victoria was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. Her primary occupation was baby sitting for Deer Run. Victoria always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.
Victoria's calm demeanor and eternally positive outlook served her well in sports. In high school, Victoria played basketball, and was a cheerleader for 4 years on Varsity Football Squad. Victoria was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were Arkansas Razorbacks football and basketball.
Victoria's talents were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something she did throughout her life. She enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in most any situation. Victoria could bring a breath of fresh air to any organization, simply by introducing her novel ideas and problem solving strategies. In high school, Victoria was a member of the Beta Club, National Honors Society, Cherokee Teen Leadership and Math Team.
Faith and religion were important to Victoria. She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church for 15 years. During that time, she was an altar server.
With all of her talents, her ingenuity, her solutions and inventiveness, it is no surprise that Victoria received public recognition for her competence. With the drive and ability to meet any challenge, Victoria accumulated a long list of achievements throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Governor's Honors for Mathematics and numerous other math and leadership awards.
Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Victoria. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Victoria to expand her ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included Panama City Beach, Colorado Mountains and Grandma Heils lakehouse on Greer's Ferry.
Victoria was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Victoria's favorites was Snuggles, a Shih-tzu dog. They were best friends for 13 years. Her family was rounded out by her multiple hamsters, fish and Shih-tzu Max.
Victoria passed away in a car accident in Woodstock, Georgia. She is survived by her parents, Gregory J. and Amy E. Heil, sisters, Katherine and Alexandra, brother-in-law Bobby Ehrhardt, niece Ava, grandparents, Mary Heil, William Edward and Sandra Morris and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Services were held at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Woodstock, Georgia. Victoria was laid to rest in The Garden of the Sacred Heart at Kennesaw Memorial Park in Marietta, Georgia.
During her lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Victoria. She met the words "it can't be done" with the enthusiastic challenge of a "wanna bet" attitude. Victoria was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around her could not. For Victoria, the traditional way of doing things fell short of her expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Victoria Elizabeth Heil, the fun of living her life could be found in the challenge.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Victoria Heil hoped to parlay a natural aptitude for math into a career in civil engineering.
Though still a senior at Woodstock High School, the 18-year-old varsity football cheerleader already had completed some basic college courses through a joint enrollment program at Kennesaw State University.
"She had her life on track," said Tyler Pischke, a student at KSU and the longtime boyfriend of Victoria's sister, Alexandra.
Victoria died early Sunday in the second wreck over the long Christmas weekend to kill a Cherokee County teenager.
Brittany Elaine Weiss, a 19-year-old college student and graduate of Cherokee High School, died Friday in a crash involving a suspected drunken driver.
"To have these two back to back and two so close in age is just very tragic," said Cherokee County Coroner Earl Darby.
Victoria was killed when her Jeep Wrangler struck a guardrail and overturned about 12:20 a.m. Sunday on I-575, near Towne Lake Parkway. She was alone in the vehicle and not wearing a seat belt, the State Patrol said.
"It looks like she just bobbled off the road and overcorrected," the coroner said.
Kelly Burke, chair of the science department at Woodstock High, taught advance placement physics to Victoria in her junior year and described the teenager's math abilities as "just rare."
"She had a very bright future," Burke said.
Victoria scored 780 out of a possible 800 on the math portion of the SAT, her father, Gregory Heil, said.
"Her goal was a perfect score," he said.
She was a member of the National Honor Society, and her skills in math earned her a place last year in the Governor's Honors Program, said her mother, Amy Heil, a paraprofessional in special education at Woodstock High.
Sometimes, during lunch breaks at school, Victoria would go to her mother's classroom and tutor some of the students who were struggling with math.
"The kids just adored her," she said.
Bobby Ehrhardt, Victoria's brother-in-law, said the teen was "full of life, extremely outgoing and friendly.
"The minute you met her she was your best friend," he said.
She had several passions, her family said, including her Catholic faith and her love of athletics, the outdoors and a good game of cribbage with her father.
Spending time with her family was a priority, sisters Katherine and Alexandra said.
"She was my best friend," said Alexandra, a junior at the University of Georgia. She said the two would routinely bunk together so they could chat into the night about boys and other subjects.
"Even over Christmas, we did that," Alexandra said.
Gregory Heil said he remembers one night finding Victoria still up as midnight approached. A friend's birthday was the next day, and she wanted to be the first person to text her good wishes. "She always wanted people to feel special," he said.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
from www.mem.com
"Anything is possible." That is what Victoria Elizabeth Heil believed about life. She was a creative woman, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting her. She had faith in her ability to find those solutions. Victoria thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. She possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Victoria was a person who believed that she could achieve whatever she set out to do.
Victoria was born on October 2, 1990 at Fairview Ridges Hospital in `Burnsville, Minnesota. Her parents were Gregory J. And Amy E. Heil. Victoria was raised in Burnsville, Minnesota, Montgomery, Alabama and Woodstock, Georgia. She showed her ingenuity even as a child. When she was confronted with a problem, Victoria could develop an imaginative solution, and she derived satisfaction from knowing she had that ability.
This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Victoria's family relationships. Victoria was raised with two siblings. She had two older sisters, Katherine and Alexandra. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Victoria was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.
As a young girl, Victoria could be found building and inventing new and different things. She was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. Victoria took part in softball, basketball, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, ballet and cheerleading. She was a member of the Beta Club, National Honors Society, Cherokee County Teen Leadership and Math Team. In her spare time she liked to go bike riding, snow skiing, shopping, tubing and wakeboarding on the lake. Victoria's memorable achievements included the AIM Program in Elementary.
Endowed with an appetite for knowing how her world worked, Victoria enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved dissecting and probing the unknown. Victoria was adept at scrutinizing different possibilities and designing innovative solutions. She would have graduated from Woodstock High School in May, 2009. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was all of them because she excelled at all of them! Victoria loved all of her teachers, her favorites were Mr. Hahn, Mrs. Burke, Mrs. Harper, Coach K and Coach Buddy. In addition to scoring 1020 on her SAT in the 7th grade and 780 on the math section on her SAT she also was in the Governor's Program and was involved in Cherokee County Teen Leadership.
Because she was a quick thinker and adept at picking up on new things. She was always on a quest for knowledge and she relished the experience. Theories intrigued her, and she was good at solving complex problems. She always wanted to understand rather than judge. She planned on getting her degree in engineering.
Victoria was socially resourceful, an expressive person who was willing to try new things. These qualities drew a lively circle of friends around her. Always interested in her friends' activities and interests, Victoria was uncritical of her acquaintances. She was sought after by people who recognized that she was generous with her time and energy, and these same friends found Victoria to be very stimulating company. Victoria's humor and curiosity were contagious for those around her. While growing up, some of her best friends were Rachel Oxley, Mary Barnett, Carrie Williams, Katie Thomason, Nicole Martinez, Darby Hess, Maddie Henriquez, Jordan Day and Chris Ford. Later in life, she became friends with Robert Muniz, Tyler Pischke, Brittany Heap Taylor Trotter, Shawn Haley, Jamie Phillips, Nick Ross, Katie Totten, Sam Wilson, Chase Pickett, Marcus Carsen, Justin Thompson, Alex Filitor, Mitchell Pinon, Drew Shields and Ben.
As a born inventor, Victoria was definitely in her element in her work place. She could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Victoria was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. She could assess all of the options before her and, using her analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. Her personal initiative inspired those around her. Victoria was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. Her primary occupation was baby sitting for Deer Run. Victoria always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.
Victoria's calm demeanor and eternally positive outlook served her well in sports. In high school, Victoria played basketball, and was a cheerleader for 4 years on Varsity Football Squad. Victoria was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were Arkansas Razorbacks football and basketball.
Victoria's talents were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something she did throughout her life. She enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in most any situation. Victoria could bring a breath of fresh air to any organization, simply by introducing her novel ideas and problem solving strategies. In high school, Victoria was a member of the Beta Club, National Honors Society, Cherokee Teen Leadership and Math Team.
Faith and religion were important to Victoria. She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church for 15 years. During that time, she was an altar server.
With all of her talents, her ingenuity, her solutions and inventiveness, it is no surprise that Victoria received public recognition for her competence. With the drive and ability to meet any challenge, Victoria accumulated a long list of achievements throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Governor's Honors for Mathematics and numerous other math and leadership awards.
Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Victoria. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Victoria to expand her ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included Panama City Beach, Colorado Mountains and Grandma Heils lakehouse on Greer's Ferry.
Victoria was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Victoria's favorites was Snuggles, a Shih-tzu dog. They were best friends for 13 years. Her family was rounded out by her multiple hamsters, fish and Shih-tzu Max.
Victoria passed away in a car accident in Woodstock, Georgia. She is survived by her parents, Gregory J. and Amy E. Heil, sisters, Katherine and Alexandra, brother-in-law Bobby Ehrhardt, niece Ava, grandparents, Mary Heil, William Edward and Sandra Morris and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Services were held at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Woodstock, Georgia. Victoria was laid to rest in The Garden of the Sacred Heart at Kennesaw Memorial Park in Marietta, Georgia.
During her lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Victoria. She met the words "it can't be done" with the enthusiastic challenge of a "wanna bet" attitude. Victoria was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around her could not. For Victoria, the traditional way of doing things fell short of her expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Victoria Elizabeth Heil, the fun of living her life could be found in the challenge.
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