The Kristofer Lawrence Getty Memorial Scholarship has been created to honor the life of the longtime Salem resident by “continuing his legacy of giving and passion for athletics,” according to a release.

Getty died in February of last year. The scholarship will go to an East Lyme High School student who shows a dedication and passion for athletics.

“Kris often spoke of the positive impact athletics had on his life and was happiest when competing,” the release said. “You could almost always find him with a golf club, bowling ball, or softball mitt on hand ready to play. Whether on the field or off, Kris’ smile was one that stuck with you; it radiated happiness and warmth and was truly one-of-a-kind, just like him.”

Growing up in Salem, Getty attended Salem School from kindergarten through eigth grade and was a 2005 East Lyme High School graduate.

“The legendary Kris Getty was well known in the little league community where his pitching, fielding, and batting skills were unmatched,” according to the release. “While at ELHS, Kris dominated yet another sport: golf. He was voted to the All-Conference and All-Region Team and played golf whenever he had the chance in the years following high school.”

Getty later earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management at University of Tampa, where he was named the 2009 Intramural Athlete of the Year.

“Although he went to college in Florida, Kris’ ultimate goal was always to return to Salem and give back to his community through the family business,” the family said. “He was so proud of the work he did there alongside his father and the beautiful granite engravings he meticulously crafted for companies and families all over Connecticut.”

Salem School, Two Brothers, and The Congregational Church of Salem are among the sites where Getty’s work can be found.

“Although athletics and his career played central roles in his life, Kris’ love for his family and friends always came first,” according to the release. “His unequaled encouragement, warmth, and support were felt by all who were lucky enough to know him. Kris lives on every day through the lives of those he touched and the lasting, special memories he is a part of.”

The scholarship is intended for students who shared Getty’s sense of dedication, passion, love, and commitment, according to the family. It will not be need-based.

To contribute, members of the community can visit the gofundme.com website and search for The Kristofer Lawrence Getty Memorial Scholarship Fund, or they can make out a check to The Kristofer Lawrence Getty Memorial Scholarship Fund and send it C/O Joan Winters, 9 Sharon Lane, Old Saybrook, CT. 06475.

To inquire further, call Winters, a former Salem resident whose children grew up with Getty and his siblings, Josh and Tory, at (860) 861-8811.

The family hopes to raise $10,000, and so far has $6,000 in hand, according to an email.

“When Kris passed,” Winters said in an email, “I thought it would be meaningful to do something to honor the legacy and person called Kris Getty. So, I worked with Tory Getty Sullivan by opening up an account in Kris’ honor at the Chelsea Groton Savings Bank in Salem. Tory was responsible for setting up the GoFundMe page and its donations, etc.”

The family plans to start raising money with a softball game after the pandemic is over. In addition, a golfing event could be scheduled in the future.

Awards or scholarships will be given to two eighth-grade Salem School students, one male and one female.

In addition, one scholarship will be given to a graduating East Lyme High School student. Preference would be given to a Salem student, but if no one from the town meets the criteria, it will be awarded to an East Lyme student.