ASD teacher honored during Monday ceremony

Apr. 24—ASHTABULA — Dozens of people wiped some tears and shared a few smiles while remembering Kristyna "Krisia" Keenan, a longtime teacher at After School Discovery on Monday afternoon.

Keenan was honored for her love of children and service to ASD. She was murdered in January and ASD decided to honor her through Krisia's Wall of Smiles, the dedication of two benches and the planting of a tree in her honor at Huron Primary School.

Keenan's family — John, Biddy and Shanen Keenan — attended and participated in the dedication of Krisia's Friendship Bench.

ASD Executive Director Linda Coblitz coordinated the event.

"It's a friendship bench and Krisia always, always wanted kids to make friends," Coblitz said.

Savannah McNeely and Amir Jackson, both ASD students, were chosen to represent the friendship the organization hopes will grow from the new benches at the school complex.

Krisia's Wall of Smiles included many photographs of Keenan. Coblitz said Keenan was always smiling and the pictures helped students, staff and family remember her special contribution to the students' lives.

After the bench dedication, ASD students and leaders planted a tree in honor of Keenan.

Cobltiz said she hoped the area would provide solitude for students at the elementary school complex.

Keenan was shot to death in the driveway of her home and Ashley Keenan, one of her daughters, is charged with the killing. The suspect fled to Canada and has not yet been returned to the United States to face the charges.

"We are still in limbo," said Ashtabula County Sheriff William Niemi.

Many students attended the event with their parents and participated in an Earth Day program that included creating boxed plants to eventually be transferred to the ground.

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