INDIANAPOLIS — As Perry Meridian 6th Grade Academy continues to honor the life of sixth grader Kyson Beatty, one of their dreams for the library is even closer to becoming reality.
An online fundraiser to create Kyson's FriEND Zone has raised more than $2,800 as of Saturday afternoon. The original goal was $2,000 and as of Wednesday, the total was $720.
The Zone inside the library will have emotional support books and confidence-building resources for students. Kyson played football, which inspired the name of the area.
Kate Barber Schultz started the fundraiser after seeing WRTV's coverage of Kyson's death. Kyson was killed Dec. 11 last year by a hit-and-run driver near the intersection of South Tibbs Avenue and Wicker Road.
Barber Schultz lives in Delaware. She often does book drives to support causes and once she learned about Kyson, she reached out to Perry Township Schools.
"The outpouring of community support has just meant so much to the family and to the school just to know that he's not forgotten," she said. "I hope it's a place where [students] can have solace and
Assistant Principal Andrew Repay told WRTV earlier this week all the students literally and metaphorically looked up to Kyson, who was a leader throughout the building.
"Perry Township Schools is thrilled to see the book fundraiser in honor of Kyson Beatty exceed its goal. It, however, does not surprise us. Kyson was a friend to everyone he met. He is deeply missed at Perry Meridian 6th Grade Academy," Perry Township Schools told WRTV Saturday. "Thank you to Kyson’s family, especially his mother Amanda, for being brave and helping us honor Kyson."
The school says it's going to continue his legacy of protecting his peers from bullies, and to stand up for the underdogs.
The book drive continues through April 30 at midnight and all donations will be matched 50%.
PREVIOUS | Court doc: Man who killed Kyson Beatty sped away, said he couldn't be caught driving the truck | Balloon release honors 11-year-old Kyson Beatty
WRTV reporter Kaitlyn Kendall contributed to this report.
-
Final phase of West St. resurfacing brings new lane closures to downtown Indy
Lane closures set to begin September 17 as crews complete resurfacing on West St. from Morris to 11th.Documentary explores overlooked creative legacy of Indianapolis
WRTV hosted filmmaker Chris M. Wilborn to learn more about his upcoming project that follows three Indianapolis artists: Gary Gee, Israel Solomon, and Johnson Simon.Police warn of stiffer punishments for violent crime offenders
Police have arrested three teenagers accused of breaking into more than 200 cars in Indianapolis and Fishers, and investigators say federal charges could follow.Ben's BBQ Shack expanding with second Westfield location near Grand Park
Ben's BBQ Shack, a Hamilton County favorite, has officially announced its business expansion with a new location coming to Westfield near Grand Park.