Kind Katie leaves a legacy

As family and friends continue to mourn a Labor Day tragedy, the legacy of “Kind Katie” has emerged for the world to see on social media.

Former Heritage student Katie Beth Carter, 18, died in a car crash with an 18-wheeler on Monday, Sept. 5 just 10 miles from Jacksonville State as she returned from a visit home in Ringgold.

Those who knew her immediately sounded off for their popular friend.

The outpouring of sympathy, praise and support for one of the most gracious students to ever walk the halls of Heritage High School began to pop up in news feeds from North Georgia to Jacksonville State, where she had danced her way onto the gridiron as a Ballerina with the Marching Southerners.

In a statement released by JSU, the first three words summed up the first-year sophomore and “Baby Ballerina.”

“She was incredible,” said Noelle Stovall, who is the JSU Ballerina coordinator.

Stovall went on to say how touching it was to know Katie was so proud to be a "Marching Ballerinia" and Southerner.

“Katie had told several people that the past few months were the happiest that she had ever been,” Stovall said.

On Tuesday, Sept. 6 the prestigious Southerners band honored Katie Beth with a great Jacksonville State tradition by the playing and singing, “I'll Fly Away,” and later flew the family to see the Red-and-White perform at halftime of the LSU game on Saturday, Sept. 10.

Katie was known as a beautiful young woman with the willingness to work as hard as necessary while maintaining grace.

“She always came to practice with a smile; she was joyful," Stovall said. "She was the perfect Ballerina to have on the line. She worked hard, she was dedicated, and her joy was contagious.”

Janet Bavonee, Department Head of Curriculum and Instruction, said she regretted to hear of Katie Beth's passing.

“She was a very vibrant, talented young lady, who was sure to be an asset to education,” she said.

Heritage High School Principal Ronnie Bradford, also a parent of three, said the loss is devastating for everyone.

“As a parent, losing a child is something I cannot think about,” he said.

Bradford said he has known Katie since she was a baby and that she may be one of the kindest people he’s ever met and was strong in her faith.

“That’s what folks will hear about her,” Bradford said.

The Heritage students cried, squeezed tissues, shared stories of their friend, locked arms for hugs and signed a large greeting card on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at school as the grieving process began for those who were fortunate to witness the work of Katie Beth in her short time on earth.

That included her father, Jason Carter, who is the school’s softball coach, who has spent his week making funeral arrangements

Katie Beth Carter performs in her final show with the JSU Marching Ballerinas on Thursday, prior to her death on Labor Day. She's being remembered for her smile and her kind spirit. (Photo by Mark du Pont/JSU Bands)

Above: One of thousands of candles burns on Thursday evening during the candle light vigil held on the campus of Heritage High School for friends and family members grieving the loss of Katie Beth Carter; Left: The community hugged, cried and prayed together while songs were sung and stories were shared of the former Heritage student. (Photos by Sheri Wilson)