Students and faculty honor Fairport teacher

Posted at: 09/07/2012 3:55 AM | Updated at: 09/07/2012 5:49 PM
By: Ray Levato | WHEC.com

Family and friends gathered to remember a Fairport teacher killed while riding her bike back in July. Heather Boyum died after being hit by a motorcycle, then a car on Route 250 in Penfield. 

Boyum was remembered at Fairport High School’s memorial garden as a loving mother of two, a tri-athlete and an outstanding teacher. 

About 200 people gathered to celebrate the life of someone who celebrated life herself in all its facets and embraced all that life has to offer. Heather Boyum’s husband, Eric, her son, Frazier, her daughter, Paige, as well as Heather’s mother and father and grandmother were in attendance.

There were tears, smiles, and a little laughter as people were reminded of Heather Boyum’s funny, unique personality and strength. Another word that was used was caring, because she always had a caring attitude toward her students. 

Beth Kress said, “She respected and valued her students and they knew it. I am still in awe of the impact she has made on Fairport High School and her creative approach to teaching is definitely one of heather's many strengths.” 

Many of the Fairport faculty and students wore green t-shirts with a Heather Boyum quote on the back. It said, “I’m amazed how fast times flies. It reminds me that every minute of life is a treasure.”

Boyum’s husband and children opened a box with a bow and ribbon on it and released dozens of butterflies as two students sang a tribute. 

One of Heather Boyum’s colleagues said to the people gathered at the ceremony, “Let her memory guide us to be better at everything we do.”

Boyum’s children are quite young, but seem to be holding up well for all they have been through losing their mom. It was also announced that donations to her children’s fund have topped $35,000. 

Two people have been charged in this case. Police say Mark Scerbo was driving the motorcycle that hit Boyum and Megan Merkel was driving the car that hit her. Scerbo is charged with manslaughter. Merkel is charged with DWI and vehicular manslaughter. Both are being held in the Monroe County Jail.

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