This past Sunday, our community gathered at the Brentwood School upper campus to celebrate the life and legacy of Samantha "Sami" Liber, Class of 2026, who died this summer in a tragic ATV accident while on vacation in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The memorial event held in the Middle School theater created a space for healing as over 400 family, faculty, and friends shared stories, artwork, photos, and videos that captured Sami's vibrant spirit. With her artwork projected on three sides of the theater, attendees were immersed in her creative expression, a fitting tribute to a young artist whose passion touched many lives.
The two hour event featured Sami's favorite foods - In N Out Burger, Raising Cane's Chicken and Fries (and delicious bread!) and Crumbl Cookies - and included speeches by three of her teachers as well as her parents, Carla and Rodney Liber. Carla spoke about her impact on family and friends but emphasized her kindness and infectious spirit. Her dad told anecdotes and talked about the necessity to remember Sami in everything we do. Her older sister, Ava, who attended Brentwood through middle school and is headed off to college this fall, talked to old teachers and friends after the entire guest list released butterflies in Sami's honor.
Dr Mike Riera kicked off the event conveying Sami's impact on the school, and cited report card notes from teachers who always found her kind and interested in others getting along. He said she was the "no drama" kid who could play mediator even at a young age and noted her growth from lower school to a mature young woman, culminating in her being chosen as the first junior to be named Editor in Chief of the school yearbook.
Selma Eriksen, a budding recording artist and student and Brentwood, and daughter of Grammy winning music producer Mikkel Eriksen, sang a song by Sami's favorite singer, Lana Del Rey, and was accompanied by two Brentwood students on cello and piano.
Sami began her journey at Brentwood as a kindergartner, where friends and teachers said her infectious laugh and beaming smile quickly endeared her to all. As art teacher Shane Sahadi reflected, "Sami was already a talented and confident artist on day one, but still wanted to improve her skills by asking questions and talking about visual details. She had an artist's eye and was inspiring to the class."
Beyond her artistic talents, Sami's impact extended to her kindness and community spirit. In 4th grade, she spearheaded a kindness campaign that inspired others to commit random acts of kindness. Middle School teacher Betsy Katz Sandler remembered how Sami would often visit after school: "She liked to catch up on the day and share her experiences. She inspired her classmates and teachers to make each day meaningful and special."
Sami's passion for life was evident in everything she pursued. A member of the varsity cheer team, she brushed off scrapes and bruises from summer practices with determination. Her love for music—especially Lana Del Rey—and travel enriched her experiences and those around her. She meticulously researched destinations for family trips, making each journey more memorable. Her adventures took her to Lake Como in Italy and dancing on tables at La Guérite in Cannes.
In response to this profound loss, the SAMI Foundation was established to honor her memory by empowering teens to pursue their artistic dreams. The foundation's mission includes providing art supplies to underserved youth programs and schools, funding scholarships for young artists, sponsoring workshops in art, design, and photography, supporting music appreciation and education, and promoting ATV safety—a cause particularly meaningful following the tragic accident that took Sami's life last summer.
As math teacher Keith Sarkisian noted, remembering Sami's "infectious spirit" brings both heartache and smiles. Through the foundation's work, Sami's light will continue to shine, inspiring future generations to create, dream, and explore—just as she did throughout her too-brief but impactful life.
For those wishing to learn more about Sami or contribute to the foundation that bears her name, please visit www.samiliber.com.