Star Middle School Students Fundraise for Memorial Bench at Freedom Park
Star Middle School students organized a fundraiser and partnered with local officials to install a memorial bench at Freedom Park, honoring the memory of 14-year-old Jeffrey Shepp, who died in an accidental drowning at the park.
Boise, ID, November 11, 2026 —
A collaborative effort involving Star Middle School students, local officials, and community members has led to the installation of a new memorial bench at Freedom Park. The bench serves as a tribute to 14-year-old Jeffrey Shepp, who tragically passed away following an accidental drowning incident at the park.
Students from Star Middle School took the initiative to organize a fundraiser aimed at commemorating Shepp’s memory. This student-led initiative garnered support and partnership from local officials, enabling the project to move forward. The funds raised were dedicated to the purchase and installation of a memorial bench, which has now been placed in Freedom Park, a location significant to the circumstances of Shepp’s passing.
The initiative highlights the students’ dedication to honoring their peer and creating a lasting memorial. The accidental drowning of Jeffrey Shepp at Freedom Park marked a somber event for the community, and the memorial bench is intended to provide a space for remembrance and reflection.
Details regarding the specific timeline of the fundraiser, the total amount raised, or the exact dates of the bench’s installation were not provided. Similarly, the names of the partnering local officials and the specific departments involved were not publicly disclosed. The contractor responsible for the bench’s installation and the permitting status for the memorial were also not specified in the available information.
The creation of this memorial bench represents a poignant community response, bringing together young individuals and local authorities to acknowledge a loss and establish a permanent symbol of remembrance within a shared public space. The project underscores the impact of student-driven civic engagement and the community’s collective desire to honor the memory of Jeffrey Shepp.
Story summarized from the original created by Greenlee Clark on www.kivitv.com, see more information here.
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