"Riley Boyle Memorial Track" petition starts after student's tragic death

ALLENDALE — After North Highlands Regional High School student-athlete Riley Boyle died from injuries sustained in a house fire on June 4, a petition to name her school’s track after her has gained over 3,300 signatures.

“She was an amazing soul like no other who was loved by many,” Ryan Glazer, who started the petition on June 6, wrote, adding that the track should be renamed "Riley Boyle Memorial Track."

Since her passing, the 17-year-old Allendale junior, has received compassionate expressions from many of those who knew her, including Regional School District Superintendent Scot Beckerman.

“Riley was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed by all,” Beckerman said. “(She) was a truly special person who exemplified all that Northern Highlands stands for.”

School principal Joseph Occhino, “with great sadness and a heavy heart,” shared the news of her passing in a June 5 letter to the community.

“We are deeply saddened by this news,” Occhino said. “The entire school community extends our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Boyle family during this very difficult time.”