On April 2 2013 a most unusual student joined us here at the Academy. She came all the way from Colorado to take Character Design 1 in Burbank.
Her name was Zina Lahr.
She was a remarkable and talented young lady. She dressed in an aviator's head gear with goggles and had feathers streaming from her hair. She was such a gentle, kind and soft spoken soul you knew you were in the presence of someone very special every time you were with her. Someone so extraordinary she didn't seem to be from this earth.
Zina exhibited strong skills and a unique vision. She was involved in making life sized dinosaur puppets move. The kind that would require individuals suiting up inside of the contraption. Her art was beautiful and we all grew creatively while she was with us. Our experience with her was extremely positive and we missed her when she had to go back home to take care of her ailing grandmother. Just last month I received an email from Zina saying how much she looked forward to coming back here again in the future.
A week ago on Wednesday, November 20 2013, Zina Lahr fell to her death in an accident while hiking in the hills around her hometown of Ouray, Colorado. She was only 23 years old.
Zina was the kind of person that is too good for this world. She will be remembered as someone of exceptional significance and her memory will always be held as something very special to me personally. Zina was the kind of girl that made you feel wonderful just by being in her presence. For myself and on behalf of everyone who knew her at the Academy we offer her family and loved ones our sincerest condolences. We were lucky to have known you and to have had you with us Zina. You'll be greatly missed.
Rest In Peace.
