Paramus Catholic Remembers Nicole Minson With Vigil

Mini Nikki was what they called her. Her heart was anything but.

Nikki's brother, Frank, comforts his tearful parents, Nancy and Edward, at the vigil Wednesday evening.
Photo Credit: *Cecilia Levine*

A photo display honors Nikki Minson in the Paramus Catholic lobby.
Photo Credit: *Cecilia Levine*

Members of the dance team smile remembering Nikki.
Photo Credit: *Cecilia Levine*

The Paramus Catholic Dance Team performs in honor of late teammate Nicole Minson, 17.

Photo Credit: Cecilia Levine

The Minson family sat in the front row of the audience as their late daughter's peers, school officials and fellow dance team members shared stories about Nikki.
Photo Credit: *Cecilia Levine*

The audience cracked their glow sticks lighting the room up to honor Nikki's bright spirit.
Photo Credit: *Cecilia Levine*

Cecilia Levine

02/28/2018 8:26 p.m.

More than 100 people gathered in the Paramus Catholic auditorium Wednesday night to honor 17-year-old Nicole Minson, who died Feb. 16 after battling cancer.

School officials, dance team members and Nikki's family remembered her fondly with tears in their eyes.

"Nikki had a larger heart than everyone here today," Principal Stephanie Macaluso said to the audience.

"She showed us courage, faith and beauty."

Her brother, Frank Minson, encouraged the community to support each other through the heartache as his mother and father, Edward and Nancy Minson, wiped their eyes in the front row.

Photos of Nikki played to music on a projector screen on stage before the dance team performed a number in her honor.

Dancer Francine said Nikki was selfless and a bright light. She recalled how Nikki would do her teammates' makeup before her own.

"She was the sister we always wanted," she said. "I will always be dancing for you."

Right before the lights came on, the audience cracked their yellow glow sticks -- shining bright for Nikki.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Fair Lawn-Glen Rock and receive free news updates.