BARTLETT, TN - An emotional day in Bartlett on Saturday, September 19, 2009, as more than 400 people gathered to remember a murdered Mid-South school teacher. Ashley Scott, who taught English at Bolton High School, was killed in 2006. Friends and family created a 5K run to keep Scott's memory alive and to serve a greater purpose.
Three years after her death, the teacher with the big heart and an even bigger smile, still draws a big crowd, something that overwhelms Scott's family.
"There are students here," Scott's sister Kecia Vekovius says while choking back tears, "who didn't even know her. But they still came out because this is the kind of support at Bolton High. It's awesome!"
Ashley Scott was beaten to death inside her home by her husband Jeffrey on Thanksgiving Day 2006. The Ashley Scott 5K Memorial Race generates money to fight domestic violence. And, according to Bolton High Principal David Stephens, it helps educate the next generation.
"Our students can learn if they're ever in any abusive relationship," says Stephens, "they can look at what happened to Miss Scott and know they need to get out of that relationship."
Scott's impact on the students she taught is still evident. Former Bolton student Melissa Mcleary came home from college just to attend this year's event.
"This is a really big deal to remember Ashley," she says, "and to raise awareness of domestic violence. Because it's something that can get swept under the rug."
Ashley Scott's sister says there is some sense of relief for the family now that Jeffrey Scott is in prison.
"We do have the opportunity to focus on the positive aspects of Ashley's life," she says, "because justice was served. We can feel like there is some peace for her, you know."
Peace for a young teacher, who even in death, still provides the kids and the community an important lesson about domestic violence.
"I think it's a great experience," says Principal Stephens. "It's Miss Scott still teaching."
Jeffrey Scott was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced this past February to 25 years in prison.
This was the 3rd annual Ashley Scott Memorial 5K Race. So far, not including the proceeds from this year's run, more than $15,000 has been raised for the YWCA's Abused Women's Shelter.
