Hebron community organizes memorial and benefits after student death; board accepts volleyball proceeds for family

The MSD Boone Township board and administrators addressed the death of Hebron Middle School student Oliver Ball Reed and described community responses and memorial events.

Moment of silence and condolences: The board observed a moment of silence and offered condolences to the family and community. At the meeting the board speaker said, "May Oliver forever ride in paradise."

Memorial donation and benefit events: The athletic department proposed donating $628 in proceeds from an eighth-grade middle school volleyball game to the Ball Reed family; the board approved the donation by voice vote. Administrators and staff also described a benefit open gym on Monday, Feb. 16, hosted by Jesse Hernandez with Region Basketball Club, and said the varsity basketball team and others planned to participate. The board also announced a cardiac screening hosted by the Zach Mago Foundation on Feb. 21 (ages 10–25) at $25 per person; the event requires at least 30 registrants to proceed.

Support for students and staff: Administrators thanked First Church, Heartland Church, Porter Starke and school counselors for supporting students during a difficult week, noting the emotional strain on staff and students and the district’s reliance on community partners and counseling resources.

Next steps: District leaders said they would continue to coordinate community memorials and student supports; the board approved the memorial donation and will assist with event publicity as requested by organizers.