CARLISLE, Iowa — The Carlisle community continues to mourn nearly one month after losing one of their own.
15-year-old Hanna Shaffer, who had just finished her freshman year at Carlisle High School, was killed in a rollover crash last month. Two other teens were hospitalized as a result.
As a member of the school's volleyball and softball teams, fellow athletes and community members felt compelled to help honor her memory.
"She was like a little sister to me," said Trevor Clark, a senior at Carlisle. "This means a lot to the community."
Clark, who also plays on the school's varsity football team, joined his teammates to walk in the city's annual Fourth of July Parade Thursday.
He said their participation in the parade this year was much bigger than football.
"We want to raise money for a scholarship in her name, because she had a big impact on our community and deserves to be remembered," Clark told Local 5.
Members of the football team passed out flyers with ways to donate during the parade. They also organized a "dunk tank" event to raise money, featuring several teachers and coaches from the school.
The scholarship will be ongoing for years to come. Hollie Butler, a Carlisle mom organizing the effort, hopes the recipients will continue Hanna's legacy and bring joy to others, just as she did.
The group has raised $1,350 so far with the ultimate goal of $3,500.
"As Carlisle always does, we will rally around everyone impacted by this and help anyway we can," Butler said.
If you are interested in donating to the Hanna Shaffer Memorial Scholarship, contact Hollie Butler via email at mhbutler13@gmail.com.