Tyler Kopp's family is closely connected to the Brighton Central School District. His mom is a staff member, and his two older siblings attend school in the district.

As you would imagine, Tyler's tragic death has had a huge impact on the district and its superintendent.

Dr. Kevin McGowan knows the family personally. Right now, he’s dealing with his own grief, but is putting the feelings of Tyler's friends, lacrosse teammates, and classmates first.

He says after notifying the student body Tuesday, class was dismissed early, but resumed as scheduled Wednesday. McGowan said it was important to try return to some sense of normalcy.

He says he's learned firsthand over the past few days just how special Tyler was to this community.

"Many kids are remembering this incredible young man that touched them. I’ve been told over and over again about how he was friends with everybody. Every type of person, every social group, any age child, from his teachers to his bus driver, to the kids he was around every day on the many teams he played on and classes he was in he was well-loved, much loved, and will be greatly missed," said McGowan.

To help the community honor Tyler, a special tribute program will be held Monday night at Nazareth College. The program starts at 7 p.m. at the Kidera Gymnasiun in the Otto Shultz Communitty Center. Due to parking concerns, there will be free public transportation from the Brighton High School gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. The event is open the public. Tyler's family will be there.

McGowan says Tyler's parents, Brian and Julie, have also reached out to the boy that flung the lacrosse ball the hit Tyler in the chest. He says they want to make sure the young man knows it was an accident.