SAN ANTONIO – Tuesday was superhero day at Kinder Ranch Elementary. Students and staff members sported their favorite superhero shirts in honor of Justin Easterling.
Justin was a student at Kinder Ranch who lost his battle with leukemia last year.
Justin's mother, Keiba Easterling, still works there as a second grade teacher.
"He was such a hero, fighting leukemia, the last year of his life," Keiba Easterling said. "We just want the students to know that they have a hero inside of themselves, and there's nothing that can stop them from doing anything that they want to accomplish."
"Unfortunately, he fought a hard-fought battle against leukemia," said Dr. Judy Murray, Kinder Ranch Elementary principal. "He lost that battle last year. So to honor him and what a great superhero he was to all of us, we are wearing our superhero shirts today."
Keiba Easterling said she was moved to see all the superhero shirts on Tuesday.
"I was just trying not to cry as I walked in, seeing kids that never even met Justin wearing superhero shirts," she said. "And seeing all the teachers wearing superhero shirts, it's very, very touching to me, and Justin would be so proud. He'd be so touched, knowing that he was loved."
The faculty, staff and parents of the students in Keiba Easterling's classroom have also purchased a tree and a bench that will be placed in the playground in Justin's honor.
"I miss him so much, but I'm so grateful that he got to be part of this school," Keiba Easterling said. "I'm so grateful that his legacy will be able to continue on, and we just hope to do wonderful things in Justin's name."