Bella Canfield will be 18 forever; in her family, with her friends and to the countless number of others who had watched her grow into a beautiful person with untapped and unlimited potential.
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The Salisbury West teen, who has been described as everybody's big sister and best friend, died after being struck by a car outside her home on Wednesday night.
In her short life, Bella had clearly touched so many others; the outpouring of tributes, loving memories and simple but treasured moments has not slowed down.
More than 1100 students at Bendigo's Marist College, where Bella graduated last year, are just part of a much wider community left broken in her passing.
Principal Darren McGregor said the whole school - students, staff and parents - has been shaken to its core.
His most poignant memories are of her bringing her younger, grade four, sister to school every day.
"They would catch the bus early, Bella would hold her sister's hand and bring her up to school every morning - and be there at the end of the day for her," Mr McGregor said.
"She was a fantastic, loving big sister and a beautiful young lady," he said.
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"She was very involved in everything the school had to offer; and very committed to the college, her friends and her family.
"She had an incredibly bubbly personality; enormous smile; and I don't think there would be any student in this college who said hello to me more than Bella.
"And that was the same with all staff, she was always the first to greet people or talk to them."
Like all young people, Bella had her dreams; having earned a place to study health science at Deakin University in Geelong.
Her friends will go on to live theirs; but not until they get past the nightmare of Bella's death.
Devastated classmates joined the throngs struggling to voice their disbelief.
"Bella had the most amazing and beautiful personality," one student wrote.
"She was always smiling and always up for a chat.
"The news we've received today is absolutely heartbreaking. Rest easy Bell, you won't ever be forgotten."
One said Bella could "light up any room" with her "infectious smile".
"Bella was the nicest person I have ever met. She will be dearly missed and will never be forgotten," another student said.
After graduating, Bella had worked at the Bridgewater Hotel at Loddon River and The Coffee Club in Kangaroo Flat.
The café closed for the day as a mark of respect and bereavement.
"The Coffee Club Lansell Square would love to extend our deepest condolences to the Canfield Family," the café staff said on social media.
"Bella was such a ray of sunshine and fun to work with. She will surely be missed."
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