Honoring Tyler's Legacy
Inspired by Leadership
Tyler was deeply interested in Dwight D. Eisenhower, a leader he admired. Stephen Ambrose's biographies, "Dwight D. Eisenhower, Officer and President" and "Band of Brothers," were well-worn favorites on his bookshelf.
This captivating portrait, the fifth in the "Fallen Heroes Project" by esteemed artist Michael Reagan, beautifully captures Tyler's spirit. Mr. Reagan's talent continues to shine a light on the lives of fallen heroes.
Marc Doepner-Hove,
History Teacher says:
"I had the honor of having Tyler as a student. He was a natural born leader, the type of student that raised the bar for himself, as well as rest of the students in the class. I still see students wearing his t-shirts in the hallways of Mound Westonka High School. I stop by his tree from time-to-time. He had the type of will power that still leaves a footprint."
Tyler's adventurous spirit and love of life continue to inspire those around him.
Here's a look at some of the ways his memory has been honored:
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Safety Advocacy: Tyler's story played a significant role in advocating for improved travel safety standards. His story helped shape state and federal policies to better safeguard students venturing abroad.
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Scholarship Program: Since 2007, Mound Westonka High School has awarded six annual scholarships in Tyler's name, empowering other students to pursue their educational dreams called the Tyler Russell Hill Sunshine Scholarship administered by the Minneapolis Foundation.
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Travel Safety Innovation: The award-winning Travel HEROES Safety Certification program, developed by the ClearCause Foundation dba Depart Smart, was acquired by AIG. This program continues to make travel safer for countless individuals, a cause Tyler would have wholeheartedly championed.
These actions reflect Tyler's positive impact on the world. His legacy lives on through the lives he has touched and the changes he inspired.
"I would like to live in a world where people stop hurting each other," Tyler said.