Sculpture Honors Crash Victim, A Holland Sentinel Article

By JOHN BURDICK
Staff writer

Emily Van Dyke loved children, books and teaching.

A new sculpture dedicated in her honor Sunday at Herrick District Library depicts all three of those passions. It will serve as a memorial.

Van Dyke, 22, of Saugatuck, was killed June 23 when a tractor trailer crashed into her car on I-196 near Saugatuck while she was pulled over during a traffic stop by police.

"This sculpture is going to demonstrate her love of children, books and of teaching," said David Van Dyke of Holland, one of Emily's uncles. " For those who have not met her, it will give them a wonderful sense of who she was."

The sculpture is a replica of the "Circle of Friends" depicting children of all types playing together in harmony. The sculpture was purchased by several of her aunts and uncles.

About a week after Emily died, her aunt Ginger Clark saw this sculpture at a Saugatuck gift shop. She kept going back to it. The sculpture represents Emily's love for all children, rich and poor, and of all types, Clark said.

"We dedicate this to all the children of the community," she said.

Library Director Tom Genson said the sculpture will be placed in the children's section on the second floor of the library.

"We're very honored to receive it," Genson said.

Emily Van Dyke had just graduated from Alma College with a bachelor's degree in education. She was hired to teach third grade at Rhyne Elementary School in Gastonia, N.C."Emily was very giving, very unselfish," said her aunt Mary Rademaker. [abridged] 

"She had a wonderful smile, a caring heart," said Judy Van Dyke, another aunt. "We miss her."

The family has donated several boxes of books and school supplies to Rhyne Elementary School. They plan another trip soon to give more books in Emily's memory to mark what would have been her 23rd birthday.