JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The mother of a 17-year-old Ed White High School senior who was killed in a hit-and-run crash last year accepted her daughter’s diploma during graduation.

Tiereny Williams, the mother of Alaysha Williams, shared an emotional message on Facebook after the ceremony, thanking the school for including her daughter in every part of the senior experience.

“They continued to include her in everything,” Williams wrote, noting the school created a senior picture for Alaysha and gave her a dedicated page in the yearbook.

Williams also expressed gratitude for the support her family continues to receive.

“I want to thank my family, all of her friends, students of all schools, and community for the love you continue to give,” she wrote. “I have a long road to travel dealing with Alaysha not being here, but with everyone’s support, I’m making it one day at a time.”

Alaysha Williams was a member of Ed White’s flag football team and a starter on the girls basketball team. She was killed in September 2024 when she was struck by three drivers on Blanding Boulevard. Two drivers stayed on scene, and one woman was arrested and later sentenced to house arrest.