SUNY Potsdam teaching students who raised money to toward a memorial for Garrett Phillips are Nicole Feml, Teanna Smith, Cherish Labombard, Paul Gordon, Ryan Denner, Ben Schermerhorn, Katelynd Schmidt, AJ Ferris, Maggie Kramer, Ashley Walbroehl, Laura Purdy, Carrie Laurenzo, Jerika Burkum and Emily Lindberg.

POTSDAM -- Members of the SUNY Potsdam Teacher Education Student Association recently hosted a bake sale at local businesses to raise money for the family of slain Potsdam middle-schooler Garrett J. Phillips.

Garrett's mother, Tandy Cyrus, has studied at SUNY Potsdam. The 12-year-old was a sixth-grader at Potsdam Central School's A.A. Kingston Middle School. He was murdered Oct. 24 at the Market Street apartment he and his mother lived in.

Potsdam police have made no public statement about significant progress in resolving the case.

The funds the teaching students raised will go toward a memorial that the family is planning in Garrett's honor for Potsdam Central School.

"I am extremely proud of the education students for taking a simple bake sale and turning it into something that will forever touch the Phillips family. From baking hundreds of cookies, to having long conversations with the Potsdam community, these students portrayed the caring attitude that teachers should have, which will allow them to reach well beyond the classroom limits," said Nicole Feml, TESA faculty adviser.

"It was really amazing to see the change in people's faces once they found out what the bake sale was for. People were eager to donate to the cause, even if they didn't take any baked goods. It was so uplifting to see that the people of this community are so compassionate and willing to help," said group member AJ Ferris.

"It's wonderful to see the SUNY Potsdam education students using their Sunday to do something nice for Garrett's family. It renews my faith that people in this community come together when needed," said Potsdam resident Leona Ghostlaw.