A local resident intends to give Caitlyn Kaufman the public remembrance she deserves.

A memorial walk and candlelight vigil has been arranged for the former Chicora resident — who was shot and killed in Nashville in December — from 6 to 8 p.m. July 24 at the Butler Memorial Park.

“I want everyone to remember her,” said event organizer Kelsie Stransky, 27, of Butler. “She deserves that.”Kaufman, a 26-year-old intensive care nurse and Butler County Community College graduate, was shot and killed around 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3 while she traveled to work at St. Thomas West Hospital in Nashville.Police have since apprehended two men who they believe killed Kaufman — James E. Cowan, 28, and Devaunte L. Hill, 20, both of Nashville.While criminal proceedings are still ongoing, Stransky said she recognized that the Butler community needed closure for Kaufman.Stransky said she was friends with Kaufman from elementary school through high school, and like many in the area she was heartbroken when she heard the news of Kaufman's death.“I was devastated. I couldn't believe it,” she said.Stransky said with the family's approval, she moved forward with plans for the walk and vigil that will also act as a fundraiser, contributing to the Caitlyn Kaufman '18 Legacy Nursing Scholarship.Kaufman graduated from the school's registered nurse program in 2018. The scholarship offers $500 to qualified candidates, and school officials said the funds are generated through an endowment, making it a permanent scholarship.Contributing to fundraising efforts will be a $10 registration fee for the walk, which is due upon arrival. T-shirts will be sold for $12, and there will also be a basket raffle of assorted items.Stransky said the event will start with the walk and allow for people to stop at the raffle, but toward the end everyone will gather under a pavilion for a more intimate candlelit tribute. Stransky said a pastor will be in attendance to say a few words.“I just want everyone to remember Caitlyn,” Stransky said.<b> This story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. Please considering supporting our local, independent newsroom, by <a href="https://home.butlereagle.com/clickshare/myhome.do">subscribing online.</a> </b>

Caitlyn Kaufman