This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Taylorsville • A plaque at the south end of Bennion Boardwalk — the newly named sky bridge that spans 6200 South at 2700 West — serves as a simple reminder of both the preciousness and fragility of human life.
It reads: "In memory of Amy Wilkes, who died Dec. 1, 1992 in an auto-pedestrian accident. As Amy did, embrace life. Laugh, love and learn."
"It was 18½ years ago tomorrow that right there on this street, Amy Wilkes was hit and died of her injuries ... on her way to school," said a Wilkes family friend, Alan Rindlisbacher, at a Tuesday ceremony for the official naming of the $1.2 million state-funded skywalk.
"Amy was just like you," was the message that Rindlisbacher hoped to convey to other students, urging them to use the bridge. It is the second of its kind for three schools situated along this busy highway.
Bennion's sky bridge opened for use last fall; Calvin Smith Elementary at 2150 W. 6200 South also has an elevated walkway; and Westbrook Elementary, 3451 W. 6200 South, should get one soon.
"These bridges are important," Taylorsville Mayor Russ Wall said. "We can't stop the traffic. But we can make it safer for kids who are coming to school."
However, some students still prefer to cross on the pavement below, Wall said, because it's faster and more direct. But when a crossing guard is present, they don't get to choose, he added. At other times, Wall hopes they still opt for the high road.
"Because of the volume of traffic, it's dangerous to be there," Wall said.
Rindlisbacher shared words that Amy Wilkes, a vibrant seventh-grader — who would turn 31 on June 9 — had written about herself.
"When I get home from school, the first thing I like to do is talk to my mom," Amy Wilkes wrote, detailing her favorite TV program ("Full House"), favorite food (pizza) and favorite book (Vampire).
Rindlisbacher also read the words of Amy Wilkes' English teacher, Diane Thomas-Timper: "She wrote on some pretty crazy topics that guaranteed spirited responses. My hope is she felt my admiration for her as a talented student with an infectiously cheerful disposition."
Dirk Wilkes, now 28, reflected Tuesday on the sister he lost at age 9.
"Today is really emotional for me," Dirk Wilkes said. "I just remember her always taking care of me and watching out for me."
He also remembers his mother speaking out at city council meetings on behalf of safer school crossings. In January 2009, crossing guard Jim Smith, 77, died after being struck two weeks earlier in Bennion Junior High's crosswalk on 2700 West.
"This skywalk is really the best," Lisa Wilkes said, also expressing gratitude for the plaque inscribed with her daughter's name. "I hope that when kids see it, they will remember that life is wonderful," Lisa Wilkes said, "that it's a great gift and they will continue to learn and love life. That, to me, means everything."
Twitter: @catmck