One of the 13 U.S. service members who was killed in a bombing outside the Kabul Airport in Afghanistan on August 26 went to school in Arcadia, according to an email sent out by Arcadia Unified School District.
“Some of you may have heard that we lost a former Dolphin in Afghanistan this week. Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, along with his siblings, spent their elementary years at Holly Avenue. Our school family is saddened by the news,” read the email, which was signed by Holly Avenue Elementary School Principal Teresa Oakland. “For many of us, he will always be remembered as the sweet boy who played on our playground or sat in our classroom while his mother volunteered many hours at our school site.”
Lance Corporal Nikoui went on to attend Norco High School after his time at Holly Avenue Elementary, according to a Facebook post from the City of Norco. The Norco resident graduated from Norco HS in 2019.
The city of Norco plans to enshrine Lance Corporal Nikoui’s name in the “Lest We Forget Wall” in George A. Ingalls Veterans Memorial Plaza in Norco.
Arcadia Unified School District held a 5-minute moment of silence honoring the fallen marine on Monday, and is encouraging the student body to honor him on Friday and beyond.
“On Friday, we ask students to wear red, white, and blue to not only honor him but to show our support to the many service people who served and serve our country. During the week and this weekend, please encourage your students to write a thank you note to those that serve,” read the District email. “These cards may be dropped off at our school office and they will be delivered to Operation Gratitude. They will deliver them to those that are currently serving our country. “
Nikoui is survived by his mother, father, and siblings.
