Published: April 30, 2008 09:03 am      

New memorial in honor of Amy Schulz to be dedicated May 12

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By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — When Amy Schulz was tragically killed in 1987, Kell Grade School planted a decorative plum tree in the school yard in her memory. About four years ago, though, that tree began to deteriorate, and last year, it completely died. But through the efforts of a former classmate of Amy’s and the school, a new permanent memorial will be dedicated at 2 p.m. May 12.

The memorial is a result of the hard work and dedication of Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Simmons, a classmate of Amy’s, Jerry Wood, Jerry Devore, Danny Stevenson, Brian Wood and donations from Quad County Concrete and Wilson & Wilson Monument Company.

Simmons, who spearheaded the projected, said once the dead tree was removed, the flag pole was moved. He, along with Jerry Wood, Devore, Stevenson, and Brian Wood, did the concrete and dirtwork for the new permanent monument. Now the monument, which reads, “In Memory of Amy Schulz,” sits in front of a circled sidewalk — with the flag pole in the center of the concrete walk. Simmons said the flag pole will be lit at night all the time.

“I thought something more permanent should be done [for Amy],” Simmons said. “She deserved more than what she got. [The memorial] shows they’ve not forgotten even though it’s been 20 years. They remember what happened and the toll it took on the community. It helps to honor her.”

Kathy Birdsong, secretary of Kell Grade School, said the memorial shows how the school itself fosters caring for its students. “Amy’s teacher, Shelby Bean, is retiring this year. A lot of these teachers knew her. Our teachers care about these kids.”

The 2008 eighth-grade class has been planting and landscaping the area around the memorial in preparation for the May 12 dedication. Each year, The Amy Schulz Child Advocacy Center and Amy’s father, Dennis Schulz, present a $50 savings bond award to a graduate in Amy’s name.

This Sunday, the school will be also holding a reception in Shelby Bean’s honor, who is retiring after 35 years at Kell Grade School. Bean began teaching at the school in 1972 and has taught fourth and fifth grades and junior high art.