North Stonington - Wheeler High School alumna Emily Zinz died Sunday morning, just three days after graduating with her class, according to school staff.

Zinz, who was suffering from cancer, was featured in a photo in The Day from Thursday's graduation ceremony.

Interim principal Donald Macrino commended Zinz during graduation as "the toughest young woman I know," an accolade that drew applause from Zinz's classmates and graduation attendees.

"Not a sweeter person have I met," Macrino said Sunday of Zinz. " … She was just the most generous and sensitive kid."

Macrino said school staff plans to meet today to discuss how to be of help to the Zinz family.

t.townsend@theday.com