Memorial for Athena Strand turns site of tragedy into place of remembrance

Memorial for Athena Strand turns site of tragedy into place of remembrance

A new memorial honoring Athena Strand now stands in Wise County, transforming the place where the 7-year-old’s body was found in 2022 into a space for remembrance and healing. The memorial includes photos of Athena and her family, mementos from law enforcement and the original cross that first marked the site. “This, unfortunately, was the area where she was located but the community made it more than that,” Zaylen Bell said. Bell, owner of Bell…

Athena matters: Scholarships, teacher awards and memorial help preserve and grow Athena Strand’s legacy

Athena Strand Memorial at Bobo Crossing. Micah McCartney/WCMessenger Athena Presley Monroe Strand’s name continues to make a difference in the communities she called home. This week alone, awards recognizing and supporting impactful teachers, scholarships for graduating seniors and a newly commissioned memorial at Bobo’s Crossing have become the latest ways the 7-year-old’s life is still felt years after her death. Teachers recognized with “You …