“Mt. Zion students and teachers come together to fundraise in memory of their classmate, known for his kindness”

MT. ZION, Ill (WCIA) — Mt. Zion is still mourning Jack Brinkoetter, a fifth-grade student who died in a sledding accident earlier this year. As people close to him continue to work through their grief, teachers and friends from school are raising money to build a basketball hoop in his honor.

Jack’s teacher and classmates decided this was the best way for him to be remembered for two reasons: students for years to come will be able to use it – and his mom says basketball was a huge part of his life.

“It took us maybe two seconds to say yes, because we knew it’s something that Jack would absolutely be honored and loved,” Jack’s mom Jessica Brinkoetter said.

Jack Brinkoetter and Charlie Spurlock were riding in an inner tube behind an ATV earlier this year. They hit a boulder – killing Jack – and leaving Charlie in critical condition. Now students and teachers at Mt. Zion Intermediate School are raising money to make sure he’s never forgotten.

“We’re raising money because we want to make a memorable spot for Jack because he was such a kind friend,” 5th grade student Elliana Patterson said. “And we just want to for all that he did for us, we just want to kind of get back to him.”

Jack’s 5th grade teacher – Mrs. Gheridini – came up with the idea to put up a basketball hoop in his honor.

“He was athletic in general and loved most sports, football and basketball definitely being his favorite,” Jessica Brinkoetter said. “Rain or shine, he was outside playing basketball, playing football. He just had a love for sports.”

From now until April 9, the school is taking donations for the project. They said it will cost around $3,000 to replace one of these baskets. But they might be able to do more.

“As of the first day, we raised over $1,500,” Principal Randy Thacker said. “And then we’ve had several calls over the last hours, actually, that more is going to be coming in.”

Thacker said if they get enough money the school might replace more than one hoop or repaint the courts surface in Jack’s favorite colors.

“I think for the players to come up with an idea and actually execute it and do all the things, I think is just really powerful,” Jessica said, “His little brother Jett is going to, you know, get to enjoy the same basketball hoop that his friends have dedicated and made for him.”

Jessica said Charlie is doing physical, speech, and occupational therapy up in Chicago. He’s steadily improving. The school is hoping they can have Jack’s hoop up by the end of the school year.