SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)–As family and friends say their final goodbyes to 11-year-old Brexialee Torres-Ortiz, one of Brexi’s teachers is helping to keep her memory alive through a fundraiser.
Taylor Sourwine had the privilege of being Brexi’s third-grade teacher at Seymour Elementary School. When she heard the news of her tragic murder she was devastated and immediately knew she wanted to help in some way.
“Brexi was like the light of the class she had the most beautiful smile every day you could just depend on her she was always happy she was everything you would hope your kid would be,”
Taylor Sourwine, Brexi’s third grade teacher
Sourwine immediately started brainstorming and decided to use her and her husband Matt’s business, Syracuse Clothing Co. to create a beanie in Brexi’s memory.
“We decided on a hat because Brexi was always caring about other people and since it’s January and it’s freezing cold here in Syracuse we thought it would be the perfect piece for this,” Sourwine said.
The beanie reads Brexialee Torres-Ortiz with angel wings. Sourwine is hoping these hats help to keep Brexi’s memory alive.
“This hat is to help the family but it’s also to say her name to show her name everywhere you go you wear your hat you’re showing people that Brexi was a part of your life and you want to say her name and tell her story,”
Taylor Sourwine, Brexi’s third grade teacher
The hat costs $25 and you can choose from six different colors. All proceeds from the sales will go directly to Brexi’s family. If you’re interested in purchasing a hat click here. Sourwine added that if you just want to donate money but don’t want the hat you can donate the hats back to Seymour Elementary School or any other school in the district.
