KETASCO NSMQ Finalist, James Lutterodt, Laid to Rest with A Touching Tribute

 It was a day of mourning and celebration at the Keta Senior High Technical Park on Saturday, September 9, 2023, as hundreds of people gathered for the final funeral rites of James Lutterodt, the late Ketasco 2021 NSMQ star.

James Lutterodt, who died on July 3, 2023, at the age of 19, was one of the three students who represented Ketasco at the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) in 2021. He and his teammates made history by becoming the first team from the Volta Region to reach the grand finale of the prestigious competition. They lost narrowly to Prempeh College but won the hearts of many Ghanaians with their brilliant performance and humble demeanor.

James Lutterodt was studying Computer Science at the University of Ghana when he fell ill and passed away at a hospital in Tema. His death shocked and saddened many people, especially his family, friends, and schoolmates.

At his funeral service, which was held at his alma mater, Ketasco students paid their last respects to him with a touching tribute. A young female student read a tribute on behalf of her peers, eulogizing James Lutterodt as the most adored one who brought honor to the school and made them proud. She fought back tears as she spoke about the pain they felt when they heard the news of his passing. She concluded that although James Lutterodt was no more, his legacy would forever be remembered and valued by all who were inspired by him.

"Tears are stuck in our eyes, and you have left a hole as large as the sea in our hearts. Our mighty eagle has fallen," she said.

The tribute was accompanied by a video montage of James Lutterodt's life and achievements, which showed him smiling, studying, and competing at the NSMQ. The video also featured messages from his teachers, mentors, and friends who praised him for his intelligence, diligence, and kindness.

The funeral service was attended by dignitaries such as former president John Dramani Mahama, who had earlier expressed his condolences to James Lutterodt's family on social media. Mahama said he would always fondly recall the impressive performance of James Lutterodt and his colleagues at the NSMQ in 2021.

"James will always hold a special place in our hearts. His passing at such a young age is truly heartbreaking," Mahama wrote.

James Lutterodt was buried at the Government Cemetery in Vui, Keta. He is survived by his parents and siblings. May his soul rest in peace.