Under the watchful eyes of their beloved son, James and Lisa Knox encourage Genoa Middle School students to be kind to one another.
The Thomas James Knox Memorial Rink opened last year at Alum Creek Park South in Westerville at 535 Park Meadow Drive. A partnership between Westerville Parks and Recreation, Lisa and Jim Knox and the Columbus Blue Jackets Street Jackets helped bring this special space to fruition. The rink honors Thomas James Knox, an avid hockey player and former Genoa Middle School student who passed away suddenly in 2015 from a previously undiagnosed heart condition at the tender age of 14.
Thomas’ parents, Lisa and Jim Knox, visited Genoa Middle School on August 16 to speak to sixth graders about their son and his legacy. They said because Thomas was short in stature, he was reluctant to engage with others because he feared they would make fun of him. That changed when he got to St. Charles Preparatory School in Bexley and met up with a group of students whose mission was to support each other. That brotherhood, said his parents, made a world of difference for Thomas. They encouraged their young audience at Genoa to spread positivity and make a difference for everyone around them. “It’s not hard to do the right thing,” said Mrs. Knox.
This recreational facility offers a central location for youth to be introduced to hockey as a team sport while providing a public space for programming to develop the skills of players of all ages. In its inaugural season, more than 500 people participated in street hockey classes. To ensure access for all, the equipment was provided at no cost. Learn more about upcoming classes at www.westerville.org/registration.