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Northfleet Technology College plan memorial bench tribute for pupil Szymon Jan Lecznar killed in crash outside school

A school is planning to pay tribute to an 11-year-old pupil who died after being hit by a minibus by adding a permanent memorial to its remembrance bench.

Szymon Jan Lecznar was struck by the vehicle in Vale Road near the junction with Colyer Road, Northfleet last month.

Szymon will be remembered for his smile. Picture: Daniel Grant / GoFundMe
Szymon will be remembered for his smile. Picture: Daniel Grant / GoFundMe

The Northfleet Technology College pupil died in hospital later that day after suffering multiple injuries.

The secondary school is now adding a plaque to the seat in the grounds with Szymon's name and a short quote which will read "the boy with the smile" because this is what staff and students remember him by, said deputy headteacher Sarah Tinker.

It will also be setting up an annual basketball competition for Year 6 and 7 students from various schools in the area with a cup awarded to the winners in Szymon's name.

Following the tragic incident in February the college issued a tribute to their "talented and enthusiastic" basketball player.

A spokesman said: "The whole school was shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic incident involving one our students on his journey to school.

"Szymon had made a fantastic start at NTC; he was working hard to achieve his grades and had made some really good friends.

The school's memorial bench. Picture: Northfleet Technology College
The school's memorial bench. Picture: Northfleet Technology College

"Szymon loved the game of basketball and was a very talented and enthusiastic player.

"He had a bright future in the sport and his coaches looked forward to him playing in our sixth-form academy team.

"He will be remembered for his smile, which lit up the classroom and was especially wide after scoring a basket and celebrating with his friends."

Northfleet Technology College pupil Szymon Jan Lecznar. Picture: Daniel Grant / GoFundMe
Northfleet Technology College pupil Szymon Jan Lecznar. Picture: Daniel Grant / GoFundMe

Earlier this month, a fundraiser was set up for a similar bench the public could access to remember the schoolboy and it has since raised more than £2,000.

Police confirmed there were no updates into the investigation in Syzmon's death.

A teenager, from the Gravesend area, who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter was released under investigation pending further inquiries.

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