PASSAIC − From a young age, Khameryn Oliver was always searching for ways to make a difference in her community as a member of the Girl Scouts.
Sadly, she did not get to complete her latest, most ambitious project after a March car crash that claimed her life two months later.
But those closest to Oliver wanted to ensure her name would live on through her initiative created to help others in need. On Thursday, that vision became a reality at Passaic High School.
Family members, school officials and others in Girl Scout Troop 95322 gathered in the high school library to celebrate the opening of "Khameryn's Kloset." The room provides a central location for students to take any personal items they need, including toothbrushes, wipes, lotion, combs and feminine hygiene products.
Oliver, 17, died after nearly two months in a coma following the March 16 crash on County Road 508 in Kearny that also killed her parents, Rhakeem Oliver and Shavonn Stewart-Oliver. Stewart-Oliver was vice principal of School 6 in Passaic at the time of her death.
Oliver was posthumously honored with the Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts, for her project at Thursday's ceremony. She had already planned out the initiative and was beginning to solicit donations prior to the fatal crash, according to her longtime Girl Scout troop leader, Kristy Wellins.
"Her vision was to bring supplies and products to people who may be experiencing some sort of crisis, whether it's homelessness or a fire at their home or just some sort of need that was not being fulfilled," Wellins said. "She said, 'I know that I can bring people together to help fulfill that need.'"
Oliver was a student at Paramus Catholic and member of the indoor track team.
On Thursday, Khameryn Oliver's grandmother, Karen, and great-uncle, Robert, were on hand to accept the Gold Award certificate and pin from Charisse Taylor, chief program officer of the Girls Scouts of Northern New Jersey.
"Earning the highest award in Girl Scouting celebrates your contributions to today's world and to our collective future," Taylor read from the certificate. "It certifies your ability as a leader and a positive force who has changed the world for a better tomorrow."
Robert Oliver thanked the roughly 50 attendees who came out to support the family, saying, "I'm sure my nephew Rhakeem and his beautiful wife would have been so proud of Khameryn to be here." He called his great-niece's project "truly an asset to this city that we all grew up in."
Khameryn's Kloset
Khameryn's Kloset is the latest facet of the partnership started this year between Passaic and Full Service Community Schools, a program that provides various community resources to give students a brighter future. Upcoming plans in the district include the establishment of a mental health clinic, a food pantry and a professional mentorship program.
Wellins, who is also the Full Service associate project director, said the partnership allows the program to expand even further than Khameryn Oliver ever imagined. But whenever students stop in to Khameryn's Kloset for some necessary items, the sign above the door will always remind them who set everything in motion.
"She was thinking, 'I'll just do this one little project,'" Wellins said. "But look at us all here today and how much inspiration and how many lives she's touched."
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