Red balloons scatter across the sky. On Sat., Jan. 7, more than 300 people, including friends, teammates and family attended a balloon release held at the Bridlewood golf course to honor the memory of senior Max Schwolert.  Schwolert died on Dec. 29due to a bacterial infection that was worsened by the flu.

A memorial service was held for Max in Minnesota, where more than 500 people attended, as well as in Flower Mound, where over 1,000 attended. Soon after Max passed, his family, including parents Melanie and Tom and sisters Zoey and Jazzy began to remember Max in a positive way with the saying “LOVE to the MAX.” They first used the term to describe Max’s loving and caring personality, as his friends often called him Panda because of his 6’4” stature and gentle nature. Max’s aunt started the “LOVE to the MAX” Facebook page in December to offer support for one another and honor Max’s life. Over 4,200 members have liked the Facebook page so far since it was created.

“We started hearing more and more stories [about Max],” Max’s father, Tom Schwolert said. “We started thinking about how it’s really important that people are focusing on what’s important in life: loving God and loving others.”

“LOVE to the MAX” t-shirts are being sold for $15 each and will go towards a special project to impact the community and honor Max’s life.

“All we know right now is that it’s going towards something in the community, some way that we can reach out to young people,” Tom said. “We want to do something really unique and special in helping people to know that they’re loved.”

Teammate and close friend senior Cody Case first met Max freshman year at a golf camp. He said he was always close with Max, who he considered very funny and friendly.

“He reached out to people and always made them feel welcome,” Case said. “He always was very friendly to everyone and loved everyone. He’s one of the best all-around kids I’ve ever met.”

Golf coach Kerry Gabel said that the two characteristics that come to mind when he thinks of Max are friendly and generous.

“One thing that has never wavered is his character,” Gabel said. “He was made for the game of golf. He was always conscious of representing our program with the highest of standards.”

Each member of the golf team now carries a bag tag with a picture of a panda on it and the sayings “Love to the MAX, Live to the MAX and Play to the MAX.” The team is also hosting the first annual golf tournament called “Play it to the MAX” in remembrance of their teammate.

“I want [people] to remember him as someone who loved God and loved people,” Tom said. “That’s what he was about. He loved life and loved being around others and showing respect towards others. He was someone who wanted to make a difference in people’s lives.”