TOPEKA (KSNT) - A local school celebrated the life of a late educator in a long-lasting way. Highland Park High School unveiled a new bench to honor the late Mrs. Joyce Martin that was paid for through donations to the school on Friday, Dec. 13. The bench will sit in the library where she taught for eight years. During her 22 years with the district, she made a strong impact on thousands of readers. "She wanted people to read, she wanted individuals to remind themselves, that they are worthy and that anything they touch will turn to gold," daughter and organizer Royce Martin said. Local gift shopping, carriage rides and more! How Emporia Main Street is ringing in the holiday season The bench is painted purple after Martin's favorite color.   For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.