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by Taylor Justice
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A year has passed since the unsolved shooting death of Ayden Burt, a beloved educator at Jasper Independent School District, who was tragically killed by a stray bullet in San Antonio in July 2024. Ayden, 28, was cherished by her colleagues and students, and her impact is still felt throughout the community.
"This year was the first school year since 1967, that there was not a 'Coach Burt' on a JISD campus," said Susan Stover, president of the Ayden Rose Burt Foundation.
In memory of Ayden, a rose garden now blooms in front of Jasper Junior High School, where she worked. The garden is a tribute to a tradition between Ayden and her father, David Burt, who was also an educator and coach in the district. "It's David's favorite flower. He gave her one rose for every year on her birthday, even on her very last birthday," Stover said.
Ayden was a third-generation teacher and coach, following in her father's footsteps. After her death, David Burt established the Ayden Rose Burt Foundation. "By establishing a scholarship in Ayden's name, he could honor her legacy, and we could continue to support students the way she has her whole career," Stover explained.
David Burt passed away in May after a battle with cancer. Friends and family find comfort in knowing Ayden and David are together again. "Obviously all parents are their kids' biggest fans, but I mean he was her biggest support, her biggest cheerleader. They were two peas in a pod," said Amanda Bergstrom, Ayden's friend and David's former student.
The Ayden Rose Burt Foundation will now award two scholarships annually in honor of Ayden and David. Additionally, the Jasper Independent School District has been awarded an upgrade to its sports training facility, which will be named the Burt Family Strength and Conditioning Facility, set to be completed by next year's spring break.