The first day of high school began with a moment of silence yesterday, as students and staff struggled to come to terms with the death of an incoming senior.

Brianna Donovan, 17, died Tuesday when the motor vehicle she was driving left the road and hit a tree in the vicinity of 320 Maple St., just blocks away from the high school where she was to begin her senior year yesterday, police said.

"Brianna was the consummate all-American student," Superintendent of Schools Edward W. Costa said. "She was a student any parent would love to have."

Known for her love of dance, Donovan performed in school and other town events since her years as a kindergarten pupil, Costa said.

She was an honor roll student who also played field hockey and other sports.

Yesterday at the high school, a crisis team was assembled to greet students as they arrived for the first day of classes.

"The lesson plan of the day was not about academia. It was about receiving students and allowing them to begin the grieving process," Costa said. "Brianna's passing has sent shock waves through the entire community, not just our school."

Donovan was ejected through the driver's side window of a 1999 Acura on Tuesday and became partially pinned beneath the vehicle. The car landed on the driver side, all four tires off the ground, according to reports.

Sgt. Richard Bates said yesterday a young man on the scene moved the car enough to lift it off Donovan.

"He was rocking the car to get her free," Bates said of the Good Samaritan, who was not identified by police.

Bates said two nurses who happened to drive by the scene also attempted to help.

Donovan was taken by ambulance to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, where she was pronounced dead.

Bates said it appears Donovan was driving at a speed that was "somewhat excessive" for the wet road conditions that day.

Bates said Donovan was not wearing her seat belt when the crash occurred about 4 p.m.