PERRY TOWNSHIP — Those who knew Kyson Beatty remember he brought joy to so many.
It has been a little more than four months since the 11-year-old died after being hit by a tow truck — and Kyson's school, Perry Meridian Sixth Grade Academy — is still carrying on his legacy.
The school has created a memorial for the boy in its library called "Kyson's FriEND Zone." and an online book drive in his honor. The drive will help the school buy emotional support books and provide self-confidence-building resources — something Kyson was big on.
Kyson was killed Dec. 11 last year by a hit-and-run drivernear the intersection of South Tibbs Avenue and Wicker Road.
PREVIOUS | Balloon release honors 11-year-old Kyson Beatty
"When this tragedy happened it was very evident the impact he had. All of the kids in the building literally and metaphorically looked up to him for a lot of different reasons. He was a leader in the building," said Assistant Principal Andrew Repay.
The school says it's going to continue his legacy of protecting his peers from bullies, and to stand up for the underdogs.
"Kyson was such a big guy on not only making friends, but also sticking up for any kids he felt like was in a bad situation," said Repay.
PREVIOUS | Court doc: Man who killed Kyson Beatty sped away, said he couldn't be caught driving the truck
Kyson always made it a point to make others smile, those who knew him said.
"Goofy, very goofy, very funny. He would make a joke or make people laugh in any situation. That was just kind of the kid that he was," said Amanda Tarter, Kyson's mom.
If you would like to donate to book drive, click here.
-
The Willow Center teams with Hendricks County Jail for an inmate reentry program
The reentry program provides two dedicated “Recovery Pods” for men and women. They create a separate, supportive environment focused on recovery, healing, and growth.
What the balanced budget is costing local health departments and organizations
A balanced state budget is headed to Indiana Governor Mike Braun's desk after lawmakers ended the 2025 session early Friday morning. Balancing the budget comes at a cost to many state programs.
Fundraiser underway to restore Indiana's oldest surviving theatre
Columbus is a hotspot of modern architecture, but a new campaign hopes to revive one of its oldest gems. The long-abandoned Crump Theatre could become a 700-seat concert venue.
Advocates turn the canal blue for Child Abuse Prevention Month
On Friday, dozens gathered to turn the downtown canal blue, all in an effort to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
