Kaylin Gillis’ former school mentors remember her as ‘friendly face in the classroom’ who was 'entertaining'
SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK: The death of Kaylin Gillis has shocked many, including her friends, relatives as well as those from her former school . After she was fatally shot on the night of April 15, members from the Schuylerville Central School District, from where the young woman completed her school education, opened up about her.
As per, CBS 6 Albany, the principal of Schuylerville High School, James Ducharme, remembered her as someone who was cheerful and loved to do photography and painting. The principal quoting the 20-year-old’s former art teacher stated on Tuesday, April 18, “A quote from Ms. Luke, Kaylin was a bright and creative young woman who put her heart into all that she did. She faced artistic challenges with a positive attitude and consistently challenged herself.”
ALSO READ
Kaylin Gillis: Woman shot dead after entering wrong driveway while searching friend’s house
‘She was kind, caring, and compassionate’
Gillis’ former Middle School Principal Katie Elsworth also paid a tribute to her. She disclosed that the victim was Future Farmers of America’s member. Citing someone called Mary Foote, Elsworth added, “Mary Foote says she was a friendly face in the classroom. During FFA meetings she smiled and her ability to make those around her laugh, find her one of the most entertaining students in FFA. She was kind, caring, and compassionate.”
While Superintendent Gregg Gregg Barthelmas shared, “The light, the passion that she had as a student, for her family, for her peers.” Gillis lost her life after mistakenly entering the wrong driveway with friends when the accused named Kevin Monahan of Hebron fired two bullets at them. The 65-year-old has been slapped with a second-degree murder charge. He could go behind bars for a minimum of 15 years to life and a maximum of 25 years to life if found guilty in court.
‘Kaylin was a talented artist’
Her family also issued a statement in her remembrance, which read, “Kaylin was a kind, beautiful soul and a ray of light to anyone who was lucky enough to know her.” It further mentioned, “She was a big sister, much-loved daughter, devoted friend, and partner to her loving boyfriend. She was just beginning to find her way in the world with kindness, humor, and love. Kaylin was a talented artist, an honor student, a Disney fanatic, and loved animals.”
The statement also said that the young woman was excited to begin “college in Florida to pursue her dream of becoming a marine biologist. She was taken from us far too soon, and we are devastated. Our family will never be the same but we will be guided by Kaylin's positivity, optimism, and joy as we learn to live with her loss.”
“Our family would like to send sincere thanks to the thousands of other people and other families who've expressed their support in this difficult time. Your good wishes and prayers are deeply appreciated, and have been heard and will carry us through this difficult journey. We ask for privacy as our family grieves the loss of our beloved daughter, and focuses on celebrating her short but beautiful life,” it added.