Courtesy Photo
Purple and white balloons are released early Oct. 10 in honor of KISD student Kadence Boykin. 

KEMP–Purple balloons graced the sky on a slow rise upward to honor Kemp Junior High student Kadence Boykin. Boykin passed away over the weekend as was notified by the district’s release Oct. 9. “It is with heartfelt regret that we announce the death of 8th grade KJHS student Kadence Boykin. Kadence died unexpectedly over the weekend,” the release stated. 
Also during the same weekend, the district made another release in the passing of fifth grade teacher Renea Keitch. “A valued member of the Kemp Intermediate staff since August 2022…will be sorely missed by all who knew her, especially her family,” the district’s release stated. 
KISD stated Oct. 7 that they were deeply saddened to inform the district of the passing of 2021 Kemp graduate Tristin Clark. 
“As the Yellowjacket family has experienced three unimaginable losses this week, we recognize that many of our students and staff will need support.” The release went on to state that the district counselors and administrative staff would be available to help support staff and students at all district campuses in the coming weeks. 
Superintendent Dr. James Young stated that as funeral arrangements become available, the information would be shared. 
Young continued, “In true Yellowjacket spirit, we will come together, honor the lives of those we’ve lost and continue to keep their families, friends, staff and community in our thoughts.”