LEWISTON - As a suspect sits behind bars in Clarkston, awaiting extradition to Nez Perce County on a 2nd degree murder charge, family, friends and classmates are still coping with the loss of a loved one, a little girl who lost her life in a hit and run in Lewiston Monday night.

Webster Elementary School is feeling the loss. That's where 8-year-old Sydney Byrd was a 3rd grader in Mrs. Storm's class.

Principal Craig Lenzmeier said Thursday it's been hard for students and staff at the school coming to grips with losing a student and friend.

"I can still see her coming up the steps with her hair messed up a little bit, and just a cute, kind girl," said Lenzmeier.

Sydney's art remains in the hall outside her classroom, and her name is still on the class roster. Lenzmeier said everyone has been showing their love for a classmate and student.

"A lot of the classrooms have made cards to send to the family and written notes and things about Sydney. Our staff has really come together, which doesn't surprise me. We've raised a lot of money, so we've been able to provide food for the family during this time and flowers."

Lenzmeier said much of the school will go to Sydney's funeral Friday. It's one of the many steps students and staff are taking to cope with the loss.

"We have an excellent crisis team in our school that helped us get through,” he said. “They're still helping us, help us get through the initial shock and helping us understand this whole process."

Lenzmeier said the family has set up a memorial fund for Sydney. Donations for the Byrd family can be made at the Community of Christ Church at 1309 Powers Avenue in Lewiston.

The funeral takes place at 1 p.m. at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home in Lewiston.