JASPER, Texas — The father of the beloved Jasper teacher and coach who was shot and killed by a stray bullet in San Antonio is sharing the positive influence she had on her students and community.
The family of Ayden Burt is devastated about her sudden passing. Her father David Burt says she adored being a teacher, but fell in love with coaching.
"[She was] a big and positive influence on kids lives," David said.
Ayden grew up on the field watching her father coach for 23 years. While she stopped playing softball in before high school, her love for sports never went away.
"She didn't play anymore but she was a cheerleader from the time she was a 7th grader, through her senior year. And she was an athletic trainer," David shared.
Ayden studied at the University of Tyler to become a professional athletic trainer. But she decided to follow in her father's footsteps to become a teacher.
"You always want your children to go and do better than you," said David.
Ayden went on to teach English at Jasper High School for a year before joining her father, who was the principal, at the middle school. She taught ELA for four years.
"She set their expectations and then made them rise to them," David said.
Ayden fell in love with her coaching cheer and even signed on as assistance coach for track and the powerlifting team at the high school.
"So she really decided that she really loved the coaching part of it, because you get to touch the lives in such a different way, than just being in a classroom," he said.
Jasper Independent School District Superintendent John Seybold says her love for the students she worked with stood out.
"Her biggest accomplishments were the relationships she built with her kids she was beloved. I mean we've been bombarded with just stories from her former students and current students," Seybold said.
David says his daughter is leaving behind a legacy of going above and beyond.
"She had a knack for reaching the kids that nobody else could reach, and forming those relationships," said David. "It's all about building relationships. If you can capture a kids heart, you can teach his mind."
This upcoming school year Ayden was supposed to teach sophomore and junior English and become the head powerlifting coach and assistant coach for track and field.
The visitation will be held on Thursday, July 25, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Stringer and Griffin Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 26 at 11:00 a.m. at First Methodist Church in Jasper.