An emotional day at Sand Creek High School as word of a former student's death spreads. Pfc. Dane Balcon died Wednesday in Iraq. He was just 19-years old.

The sun shines on an american flag waving at half staff. Roses lay at the base of the flag pole. And former classmates read passages from the bible as they mourn the loss of a friend.

"Dane was friends with everyone. He was always up beat about everything and never pessimistic," said friend Jacob Burghardt.

19-year old Pfc. Dane Balcon died Wednesday from injuries he suffered when he was hit by roadside bomb in Iraq.

He was a 2006 graduate of Sand Creek High School.

"He was an outstanding kid. Well-liked by everybody. Involved with everything at school," said assistant principal Dave Morgan.

"Everybody knew him as the military guy who carried drumsticks everywhere," said friend Jamar Harrison.

Balcon was in ROTC. And joined the school's drum line in his senior year.

"Our drum line became a family and he was the funny brother that always made us laugh," said Harrison.

But their friend also had a serious side a life long dream to join the military.

"The second graduation was over. He removed his graduation cap and put on his beret," said Morgan.

"Both his parents are in the military. He was so proud that he was going to be in military," said friend Jennifer Thompson.

And now more than ever, his friends are proud of him for his service and his ultimate sacrifice.

"We love him and we'll never forget him," said Harrison.

Pfc. Dane Balcon was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas.

He is survived by his parents. And two younger brothers.