ANTIGO - A special bus ride today celebrated the life of Emily Essert, a five year-old killed last week in a UTV crash.

Family, and friends rode the kindergartener's exact bus route to school- stopping at her home, and the little house at the end of her drive where she would have waited for the bus. For her mom and dad, sitting in their daughter’s seat for the bumpy, 30 minute ride was bittersweet.

"That was extra special,” said Nancy Dahling, Emily’s bus driver, “Especially for dad because, he brought her on every day, sat her in the seat, gave her a kiss and a hug… And then mom sat next to the window and said, 'I wonder if these are Emily's fingerprints.''

The ride was part of a day, not only to honor Emily, but to keep her goodwill alive through a scholarship fund.

“I think that a benefit for her, in her name, and in her honor is something that brings the community together,” said Kathy Zblewski, Emily’s kindergarten teacher, “It just promotes education even more. And that's something that Emily- she tried hard and she worked hard she was a good kid."

For a 5-year-old who loved pink, classmates and loved ones released pink balloons outside her school, and remembered her smile and her laugh.

“I would have wished a long life for her,” said Zblewski, “She was a wonderful person… She was on her way to having a lot of accomplishments in life… Having a child, and being a child is the most precious thing in the world."

"We're doing this all for you girl… We’re doing this all for you," said Dahling.

In loving memory of Emily Essert.

Story By: Kailey Burton