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.
-
Early voting for presidential election to be held at 8 satellite voting centers
Early voting will start on October 8 at the City-County Building, and on October 26 at eight different satellite centers."I'm embarrassed": City-county councilors, residents urge action on Indy parks
Indianapolis city county councilors and residents are reacting to a WRTV Investigation that raised concerns about the condition of some Indianapolis parks.DOCS: Anderson teacher allegedly hits student with ruler, duct-tapes mouth shut
An Anderson teacher is being charged with battery after allegedly hitting a student with a ruler, duct-taping their mouth shut and sitting on top of them.32-year-old Kokomo woman killed in crash
32-year-old Jade A. Carlile died following a 3-car crash when she attempted to turn south out of the entrance to Riley Modern onto Washington Street and was struck by two trucks.