Managing editor
James Weber died this past summer in a tragic car accident.
His friends, classmates, and Marion County community want to remember the active teen with a memorial at Centre High School.
Classmates gathered at Centre High School the night after the car accident, organizer Marissa Makovec said. At that gathering, the teens decided they wanted to do something in memory of their friend.
Fundraising efforts spearheaded by Makovec will make it possible for the teens to purchase a bench which will be placed by the front entrance of CHS, near the school’s cougar mascot.
In keeping with the theme of recycling and the school district’s approach of “going green,” the bench will be constructed of recycled plastics, Makovec said.
The cost of the bench is $950 to $975, with $109 collected thus far.
“There isn’t any seating out front,” Makovec said, which is particularly needed when there are activities at the school, such as basketball games.
Plans are to have the bench in place when basketball season begins — it was Weber’s favorite sport.
Donations are being accepted by the class of 2009 at Pilsen State Bank. Donations also will be accepted at an FFA dinner at a Labor Day event in Burdick.
“James was special to our school,” classmate Konley Harding said. “He deserves whatever we can do for him and more.”
Harding said James wasn’t shy or a bystander.
“He was really active in school,” she said. “He was a really good kid.”
The bench will be located where youths can gather and remember Weber.
Donations may be sent to James Weber Memorial Fund, Pilsen State Bank, PO Box 185, Lincolnville KS 66858.
If more money is collected than needed for the bench, Makovec said a donation will be made to the James Weber Scholarship Fund.