Be Like 22 Scholarship

Funny! Smiley! Friendly! Joyful! That dude! These are the words that come to mind when I think of Keilyn Toone. I met Keilyn when I was a freshman at Bosse High School and he was a junior. I was a new kid, at a new school, and he was one of the first people that I met. I didn’t know Keilyn at the time, but he knew my brother so he greeted me with a laughing smile, and a “What’s up Lil’ Wag”. Immediately I felt like I belonged. I never told him how much that greeting meant to me but I can say that at that time, it meant the world to me. Whenever I would encounter Keilyn, no matter what kind of day I was having, he would always exude Joy. My Grandmother has always told me that happiness is circumstantial. Happiness is based upon the things that are happening to you and around you that causes you to be happy or sad. In high school, there are many things that can destroy your happiness. You might get a bad grade on your test. You might break up with your girlfriend. Someone can just look at you cross-eyed and your happy mood is broken. But Joy is something inside of you that just remains no matter what is going on around you. Bad things can happen that will bring you down, but when you have joy, you might feel sad, but it won’t knock you off your square. Joy is what Jaylin had an abundance! Joy is the legacy that he left behind! Having Joy and giving it back to others in return is the kind of legacy that I want to leave behind as well. In honor of Kielyn’s memory, I will strive to be the person who greets a new person with joy and not shade, like he greeted me. I will strive to be kind to others whether I know them or not. If all that I have to offer someone is a smile, I want to be like Kielyn and offer one up gladly! I was devastated when I heard the news of Kielyn’s passing, because I knew that the world would be a different place without his Joy. When I think of his smile and the funny things that he would say, it has me cracking up right now! Many believe that only people who die old or who are famous can leave behind a legacy. Kielyn proved this to be untrue! I want to strive to carry on the legacy that Kielyn started. The legacy of bringing joy, smiles and laughter to the lives of others. Keilyn may not have lived for many years, but if I had a chance to talk to him today, I would let him know that if it’s up to me, his living will not be in vain. Rest In Peace #22!