PERRY, Iowa [WHO-TV] — Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the deadly shooting at Perry High School, a national organization has announced a vigil to honor the lives lost in the shooting. A scholarship fund named for one of the young victims of the tragedy has also been established. Five students and three staff members were shot by a 17-year-old student, who died by suicide following the January 4, 2024 shooting. Ahmir Jolliff, 11, died after being shot multiple times. Principal Dan Marburger died 10 days later, from injuries received in the shooting.

The One In Five Foundation For Kids, formerly The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, has announced a vigil to mark the one-year anniversary of the Perry shooting. The foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed after the deadly May 2022 shooting at a school in Uvalde, Texas which resulted in the deaths of 19 students and two teachers. The non-profit is holding a nationwide vigil and a “blackout halt” to all of its operations on Saturday, January 4 beginning at 7:35 a.m., the reported starting time of the shooting in Perry.

“Our foundation continues to stand with the Perry School community as we not only remember principal Dan Marburger, but also those lives lost and altered forever following that tragic day. This hero will always be recognized for his ultimate sacrifice to his students and community – His very life,” stated a news release from One In Five Foundation For Kids.

The non-profit also announced a new scholarship fund in remembrance of Ahmir Jolliff, called “Ahmir’s Hope.” “This special scholarship available to Perry HS students will honor, remember and serve as a reminder to this nation of the impact of gun violence and the future hopes it extinguishes such as those of young Ahmir. Ahmir will not be forgotten & deserves as such. The scholarship, named in Ahmir’s honor, will be awarded annually every summer to a deserving student who shows promise in academics but moreso, who demonstrate leadership amongst their peers and communities,” stated foundation officials.

Nominations for the scholarship are open and the fund will only benefit Perry High School students. To learn how to contribute to the scholarship fund you can contact the One In Five Foundation For Kids here.