Students and community members will gather Wednesday morning in Burden to remember Shyann Clark, a recent Central High School graduate who was killed Friday night on the Kansas Turnpike in Sumner County near Mulvane.
Clark, 18, of Atlanta, graduated in May from Central of Burden High School, where she was active in softball, yearbook, cheerleading and Student Council. She also was named Miss Atlanta 2025 and had recently started college.
A group of Central students has organized a gathering called “For Her & For Each Other” for 7:15 a.m. Wednesday in the Central High School courtyard.
Pastor Ryan Nichols, Cowley County Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader, will join students and community members for what Central USD 462 described as a time of faith, encouragement and support.
“You don’t have to know exactly what to say or do — just come,” the district said in announcing the gathering. “Bring a friend, bring your family, and let’s show up for each other.”
The gathering is open to the public.
Clark was killed at about 8:15 p.m. Friday when she was struck by a vehicle on the Kansas Turnpike.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Clark was running across the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 from a disabled vehicle when she was struck by a 2014 Chevrolet Express van. Continue story below ad.
The van was driven by Fernando Martinez Gonzalez, 31, of Kansas City, Missouri. Gonzalez and six passengers in the van were not injured.
A GoFundMe established by Clark’s family describes her as “one of the sweetest, kindest, and most loving girls you could ever meet.”
“Her life was just beginning,” the family wrote. “She had recently started college and was looking forward to building her future and experiencing all that life had in store for her.”
The fundraiser was established to help the family with funeral and memorial expenses.
“She will forever be loved, deeply missed, and carried in our hearts,” Clark’s family wrote.
You can give to the GoFundMe account for Shyann Clark here.
