Pocono News Section

Kyri Hall Memorial at WAHS

Kyri Hall Memorial at WAHS - Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 5:08PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, Nov 25, 2009 @ 05:08pm EST
Williamsport, Lycoming County-

Students at Williamsport Area High School gathered Wednesday to remember a friend lost too soon.

A heart condition claimed the life of Kyri Hall three years ago on this day.

Senior Cassandra Yagel, who met Kyri in 6th grade, said, "Everybody who's met Kyri, he's touched everybody's life, in the littlest way to the biggest way."

In Kyri Hall's few short years on earth, he left quite an impression on his peers. He stood 6'3" when he died at the age of fourteen, a gentle giant who loved to sing.

Yagel recalled, "His voice, everything about him, everything he did, it was just unforgettable. It just makes me cry because he was just amazing. He was a great friend."

His friends say the avid athlete had a smile to share with everyone. Yagel added, "Everybody cheered Kyri on. He was great at basketball. He was pretty much great at everything he tried."

Kyri's mother, Shantay, started up the Gentle Giant Foundation in his honor. She hopes to provide ten $1,000 scholarships to Williamsport students.

Thousands of "I Wear Red for Kyri" ribbons and bracelets have been sold. They’ve been a major part of the fundraising efforts.

Kyri's mother says she especially wanted to help out this year's group of seniors, with whom her son would have graduated.

Senior Drae Lewis noted, "A lot of people are helping and doing what they can. So it means a lot, especially for people that may not have known him, to still have the heart and desire to help means a lot to us."

His classmates say Kyri's tragic passing has taught them to appreciate each and every moment.

Senior Dom Hill explained, "Life is short. You have to make sure in the time you have down here that you get what you want out of it. Don't leave anything, no regrets and stuff like that."

If you'd like to support the cause, you can purchase those red ribbons at several Williamsport area businesses.

Or you can donate to the Gentle Giant Foundation at M&T Bank, 2001 West Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.