This Saturday has marked a bittersweet prom day for the family of Kiersten Walko.
The 17-year-old girl was killed in a hit-and-run six months ago, and Saturday night, her name was on the ballot for prom queen.
Kiersten’s younger sister, Kendal, went on her behalf hoping to accept the prom queen title to honor her sister’s memory.
Kiersten’s best friend, Mikey Paschall, a senior at North County High School, escorted Kendal to the dance.
A “Kier Strong” banner stands in the family’s driveway with Kiersten’s senior pictures.
Family and friends, wearing shirts that say “Kiersten for prom queen” gathered to watch Kendal and Mikey exchange their boutonniere and corsage and to take some pictures.
Kendal told reporters the one thing she’s looking most forward to.
“Getting that crown and going to the grave site and it on her,” Kendal said.
“I walk to up to that grave site every single day and knowing that this is the only time that I can see my best friend, so knowing that I can put this down there today, the crown there today, is going to mean the absolute world knowing that all this was worth something,” Mikey said.
Kiersten was hit by a car in November in the 7900 block of WB&A Road in Severn.
There is still a $60,000 reward being offered for information about the crime.