Poughkeepsie Shutting Schools For Funeral Of Slain High School Basketball Player
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Poughkeepsie schools are closing for the funeral of an accomplished high school basketball player who was fatally shot last week.
The city's board of education voted unanimously to cancel classes Tuesday, when services will be held for 18-year-old Caval Haylett.
Poughkeepsie Board of Education President Ralph Coates said unused snow days allowed the district to give students and staff a day off to mourn Haylett.
"Our district really has come together as a family just to be there for one another," Coates said. "He was a scholar athlete, considered to be a high honor roll student."
Haylett was the leading scorer for Poughkeepsie High School this season. He scored 21 points in the Dutchess County Basketball Coaches Association Exceptional Seniors Game hours before his death last Wednesday.
"He played very well, he received his all-county award," Haylett's varsity coach Brian Laffin said, adding that the community has been very supportive. "As far as raising money for not only the funeral cost but also try to put something in place that could be lasting."
The Poughkeepsie City School District mourns the loss of and celebrates the life and legacy of our beloved...
Posted by Poughkeepsie City School District on Friday, March 11, 2016
Haylett was hit by gunfire as he stood with other people on a city street late Wednesday night, police said. They don't believe he was the intended target.
No arrests have been announced.
(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)