After the tragic death of WestSide High School 2024 graduate Colton Long in a car accident this summer, his neighbor and close family friend Rick Edwards, along with Colton's family, established Colton's Excellent Outdoor Adventures Endowment at the Community Foundation of NCW (CFNCW). The endowment, dedicated to Colton's memory, aims to provide outdoor education opportunities at WestSide High School. This collaborative effort involving Edwards, Colton's family, and WestSide High School seeks to create a lasting legacy for Colton, affectionately known as "Colty". 

The endowment is now open for donations on the CFNCW's website. Speaking on the inspiration behind the endowment, Edwards shared, "It was my idea to do an endowment for Colty—my way of turning grief into something positive." WestSide principal Jennifer Devereaux assisted in directing the endowment toward the outdoor education program at WestSide, a cause she says was close to Colton's heart.

Megan Long, Colton's mother, expressed her gratitude, remarking, "If Colty was here today, he would be proud to give other students the opportunity to clear their minds, feel peace, and explore nature." Her heartfelt words encapsulate the spirit of the endowment and the profound impact it aims to have on future generations of students.

“WestSide is so happy to be able to continue Colton's legacy in a way that will impact the lives of many of our students. He was one of a kind. He exemplified our schoolwide motto of Courage, Compassion, and Commitment, what we call the 3 C's," said Devereaux.  

As the endowment moves forward, it stands as a testament to the enduring impact of one young individual and the power of the community to honor and preserve his memory. “Colty has always had a heart for helping others and making sure that his friends never went without. This is his gift to other students to be able to have the wonderful experience he did,” said Long. Colty’s great outdoor adventure WILL be totally awesome!”