'A shining light.' Waverly's Peyton Shaw remembered for talents, commitment to community

A Waverly High School senior who was killed in a three-vehicle accident Tuesday in the Tompkins County Town of Newfield is being fondly remembered for her athletic prowess and her commitment to the school and community.

Peyton Shaw, 17, was a passenger in a car operated by Dale T. "Ty" Beeman, 18, of Spencer, a recent Waverly High School graduate. Beeman was seriously injured in the crash.

Peyton was a second-team Interscholastic Athletic Conference basketball all-star last season and among the area's leading scorers this season. She was also a member of Waverly's volleyball team.

Community response to her death was immediate and emotional.

"Our kids are very shaken by the tragedy in Waverly," said Elmira High School girls basketball coach A'Don Allen III. "Peyton was a wonderful young lady, she was extremely talented, and she really was a shining light in her school and community."

Peyton Shaw remembered as a talented, caring individual

People who knew Peyton couldn't say enough about how much she cared for Waverly and the people around her.

The school community is heartbroken over the loss, said Waverly Superintendent Eric Knolles.

"When I think of Peyton, I think of a young woman who always gave more than she took," Knolles said. "Working with children in the elementary school or her job at Tomaso’s, she always showed her best side. She competed like a champion in all aspects of life and did it with class and dignity."

Hailee Herc, who has been a volleyball coach for 13 years, said Peyton was one of her favorite players to coach.

Not only was she a skilled and hardworking athlete who was always trying to better herself, she was an inspiration to those around her, Herc said.

"She was a strong, loyal friend and would do anything for those she loved," she said. "Peyton was planning to go to college to be a special education teacher. I can't picture a more perfect position for her. She was kind, caring, respectful and understanding of others."

Peyton was a natural leader in whatever she did, whether it was on the basketball court, the classroom or the community, according to her basketball coach, Bob Kelly.

"As a person is where Peyton truly shined," Kelly said. "Peyton demonstrated what it means to be a Wolverine. She was a leader. She was a three-sport captain, an academically high-achieving student, and a large presence in the community."

Peyton's family never realized the full impact she had on the community until other school sports programs — and some complete strangers — came forward this week to offer comfort and support, said her father, Dave Shaw.

But that's the kind of person she was, Shaw said.

"She put everybody else first. She loved life, loved people. She was very respectful," he said. "She just really had a knack for being a natural leader and role model for a lot of young people. We're super proud of that."

How you can help the families

A gofundme.com fundraiser set up by Danielle Sharpsteen of Waverly had nearly reached its $30,000 goal by Thursday afternoon, with more than 300 donations, and many contributors wrote words of praise for Peyton.

"Such a beautiful and kind girl," one donor wrote.

"Peyton was an incredible girl that will be missed deeply," another contributor said. "She was always so kind and such a great attitude."

Beeman was last listed in critical condition at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. A gofundme.com account was also set up with a $20,000 goal to assist him and his family.

Peyton and Beeman were a couple for the last three years and were a perfect fit, said Dave Shaw, who said his whole family is rooting for Beeman's recovery.

Funeral services planned for Peyton Shaw

The Thomas Cremation and Funeral Service of Sayre is handling arrangements.

Calling hours for Peyton will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Waverly High School auditorium. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at the Church of the Epiphany in Sayre, followed by burial at Tioga Point Cemetery in Athens.

Peyton's family is turning to their faith to cope with the loss, said her great uncle Mike Shaw.

"People are struggling with the idea of how a vibrant, beautiful 17-year-old girl could be taken so early," Mike Shaw said. "I can assure you Peyton had no trouble getting through those pearly gates."

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Herc echoed those sentiments, calling Peyton a strong, independent and sincere young woman.

"It was a privilege to have coached Peyton, she made an impact on everyone that she met and made each program here at Waverly better because she was a part of it," Herc said. "She will be greatly missed but always remembered here at Waverly."

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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Waverly student killed in crash remembered for commitment to community