In honor of a classmate, students to refurbish bus

The bus and supplies will be delivered to students in Mexico.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- Hubbard High School Class of 2006, family and friends have taken on a significant project to keep alive the memory of Kyrsten Studer.
"I think we can do it. It's possible," said Amanda Prommersberger, 17, a friend of Kyrsten and class secretary.
"We have a strong foundation behind us," added Dennis Johnson, 18, another friend and classmate to Kyrsten.
Kyrsten was killed April 4, 2003, when struck by a hit-skip driver who had been drinking, as she walked in the grass off state Route 304 in front of Pine Lakes Golf Course.
Five other girls were injured, but they were released after treatment at area hospitals.
Since Kyrsten's death, her parents, Bryan and Jenifer Studer, and a family friend, Renee Merrell, have run the Kyrsten Elizabeth Studer Memorial Foundation.
The foundation sponsors fund-raising events to aid victims of poverty, sickness or accidents and help create environments in which they and their families can live useful and productive lives.
"Anything that involves a child, our foundation assists," Merrell said.
During the first two years, Bryan Studer explained, the foundation held Chinese auctions and golf outings to raise money.
"We have a very supportive community," Merrell said.
Support has grown by word of mouth, Bryan Studer said, including donations arriving from Arizona and New Jersey.
The foundation during the two years has provided scholarships to 10 students.
It's fitting to her memory, Kyrsten's father explained, because his daughter always felt for others who didn't have what they needed.
Newest project
Next year's project is the purchase of a used school bus, refurbishing it and delivering it -- along with school supplies -- to Mayan school children in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
It's reflective of Kyrsten's spirit when she was alive, Jenifer said, because her daughter had to work hard for what she achieved.
Byran Studer said the foundation is in the process of buying a reconditioned bus for about $5,000 from Myers Equipment Corp. in Canfield. The bus must be approved by customs officials.
Kyrsten's classmates will be responsible for painting the inside with bright colors favored by the Mayans and for re-covering the seats. They will also be responsible for filling it with supplies.
There will not only be basic school supplies, but items such as soap, hand towels, earrings, white socks and sporting equipment will be included.
"There are people in the Yucatan Peninsula that are forgotten," Bryan Studer said.
The bus will be delivered to an area in the outback, about five hours from Cancun.
Getting involved
Bryan Studer said the bus will be either driven to Mexico or delivered by ship, noting that anyone who wants to pay can go along for the ride.
The hope is that the bus will be ready by the time the Class of '06 graduates next June.
"We're a very dedicated and hardworking class," Prommersberger said of the deadline.
Those who want to make monetary contributions to the foundation or donate supplies for the bus can drop them off at the Studer home, 326 Grandview Ave., or make arrangements by calling them at (330) 534-8442. They can also contact Merrell, (330) 550-6760.William Demidovich of Hubbard Township, who struck and killed Kyrsten when she was 14, was sentenced to six years in prison in 2003 after pleading guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated assault and hit and run. Demidovich, who is in his early 70s, also lost his driver's license for life.
yovich@vindy.com