Smiling, positive and inspirational are three words to describe Wyatt Schmaltz. Who knew that so much could be packaged in one small body? On July 24, 2020, the Horace Mann Elementary family experienced a great loss when our classmate, student and friend, Wyatt, lost his six-year battle with cancer. However, memories of Wyatt live within those who knew him. The influence he had in the lives of others was far-reaching. You did not have to personally know Wyatt to be affected by his story. Many followed his battle with cancer and walked alongside of him and his family in their hearts and prayers.
“Ornery” and “all boy” are more words that describe Wyatt. He loved dinosaurs, super heroes and his music. He often came to school rocking a pair of dinosaur Converse shoes. There were many days he was dressed in dinosaur gear from head to toe. He was especially proud of being sworn in as the youngest sheriff deputy in the United States.
Wyatt persevered through his illness with a strength that most adults would not be able to muster. His mother, April, father, Joe, and his brothers, Deacon and Caden, were the rocks that kept his life as normal as possible. Wyatt also strengthened those around him with his positive outlook and determination to never give up. While Wyatt is not physically with us, memories of him will live on in those who were blessed to have known him.
The Horace Mann family planted a tree and installed a plaque on Nov. 6 in honor of Wyatt to have a living reminder of the energetic and positive young man we knew.
“Wyatt was such a positive, caring young man even in the face of tremendous adversity,” said Horace Mann Elementary Principal Chris Baut. “He always made an extra effort to make everyone around him smile and brighten their day just a little bit. Wyatt embodied the Husky spirit and he will always be remembered for the tremendous example he set for all current and future Huskies.”
The tree and plaque honoring Wyatt are located behind Horace Mann near the playground.