TOPEKA (KSNT) – Family, friends and community members gathered Sunday evening to remember 17-year-old J’Lanette Harrison during a celebration of life at Highland Park High School.
The celebration included a balloon release and candle lighting in honor of Harrison, who was a senior at the school. Her aunt, Brittany Fox, said Harrison was involved in her school community, participated in school activities and was a member of the National Honor Society. She had also been accepted into multiple colleges.
How many measles cases are being reported in Kansas amid outbreaks nationwide?
Fox described her niece as someone who was quiet at times but made a lasting impression on those around her.
“She was quiet at times, but she was a spark,” Fox said. “So, she kind of was the glue to her immediate family and to all of us, honestly. And I don’t think a lot of us really realized that until we got to this moment.”
Fox also remembered Harrison as a dedicated student who maintained good grades and a 3.56 GPA.
“J’La was everything,” Fox said. “She, like I said, was smart. She was wonderful. Even though she was quiet, her silence said a lot in the room she entered in. She participated in everything, Fox said. “She worked hard in school. She had good grades. She maintained a 3.56 GPA. So, she just fills our hearts, fills our hearts. Still to this day, she will continue to fill our hearts and we will continue to live for J’La.”
Harrison was looking forward to graduating, and Fox said the family hopes to continue honoring her throughout the rest of her senior year. That includes the school’s Senior Sunday tradition, which features senior photos, and recognizing her when her classmates walk across the graduation stage.
Harrison died Oct. 31 after being transported to Stormont Vail Hospital by family members. Personnel with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office said she was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation.
In an update released Nov. 4, the sheriff’s office asked anyone who attended a party that took place between 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 and 3 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31 in the 4100 block of Southwest Carlson Road near Dover to share any photographs, videos or other information with investigators. Anyone with information can contact the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office at 785-251-2200 or email Emily.Adams@snco.us. You can also submit information online by clicking here.
Topeka mayor shares data center update, details on upcoming sales tax vote
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
