A Hernando County middle school has dedicated a special project to a student who passed away in 2015. Donations for that gift came in from around the world.

  • Dylan Arnold died in 2015
  • Bottle caps collected over the course of a year
  • Find out more about Brugada Syndrome

There are several benches in the courtyard at Fox Chapel Middle School in Spring Hill, but one has an extra special meaning.

After 14-year-old Dylan Arnold passed away in 2015 from Brugada Syndrome, a heart rhythm disorder, the school wanted to do something to honor him and his family. Staff member Donna Loughran decided to start a project collecting bottle caps to be turned into a bench in Dylan’s honor.

"I did hear about a school that collected them for benches," Loughran said. "And I said, 'Well, we can dedicate it to Dylan because he was such a great kid.'"

Dylan Arnold. (Photo courtesy Arnold family)

Over the course of the year, students and community members from Hernando County and beyond donated bags and bags of bottle caps. They received so many they were able to make not two benches.

Dylan's family held back tears as they get their first look at the bench bearing his name.

"It's not just about my son," said Brooke Arnold, Dylan's mother. "It's about the community coming together to show love for my child."

Brooke said Dylan was extremely loving and always looked out for others. That's why she wanted the phrase "love is the greatest gift of all" engraved on his bench.

"I want people to remember his heart because that's the biggest part of him was his heart. I want people to show compassion and love to one another and I know that's what my son wanted," Brooke explained.

Staff members said students were excited to see this project completed. They hope when students are walking through the courtyard in just a few weeks they'll feel more united than ever, thanks to the impact of a young man gone far too soon.

Dylan's family hopes this project will also bring more awareness about Brugada Syndrome and help others who also may suffer from the potentially life-threatening condition. To find out more about the disorder, visit www.sads.org.