Anna’s Story
Annaliese (“Anna”) Backner was an extraordinary 11-year-old whose curiosity, compassion, and love of learning left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She dreamed of becoming an astrophysicist, loved asking questions about the world around her, and was known for standing up for others with both courage and kindness. While many children looked up to athletes, entertainers, or social media personalities, Anna’s greatest hero was astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson. She eagerly read his books, followed his work, and found endless inspiration in the mysteries of the universe. Her bright spirit, remarkable intellect, and passion for learning continue to inspire the work being done in her memory.
On March 3, 2022, while on her way to school, Anna lost her life in a preventable school bus incident near her home. Her death became the catalyst for her mother, Leandra Backner, to dedicate herself to advancing student transportation safety through education, awareness, advocacy, and meaningful policy change. As a member of the Child Safety Network Board of Directors, Leandra works alongside families, transportation professionals, and safety advocates to help prevent similar tragedies and ensure every child can travel to and from school safely.
One of the many reflections of Anna’s remarkable spirit came after her passing, when Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson learned of her lifelong admiration for his work and her dream of becoming an astrophysicist. He took the time to leave a heartfelt message on Anna’s online memorial page—a kindness that deeply touched her family and serves as a lasting reminder of the curiosity, determination, and love of science that defined her life.
“The curiosity of children famously knows no bounds around the house, the backyard, the neighborhood. Any new place. But when that curiosity includes the universe itself, you’re in the presence of someone poised to change the world. To lose Annaliese at age 11, brimming with so much cosmic ambition, will forever leave me wondering what she might have accomplished as a grown-up kid. Grown-up kids are scientists, and anybody else who retains their childhood curiosity into adulthood. Of course we will never know the answer to that question. But we do know the physics of cremation: the energy contents of her body, itself reduced to ash, actually enters Earth’s atmosphere. It ultimately escapes to space in the form of infrared energy, radiating in all directions at the speed of light, filling the voids of the cosmos with her presence. At the moment I write this, Annaliese’s energy has extended a half-trillion miles into space—more than 100 times the distance to Pluto. Though she will live in collective memories for all our lives, in the universe she lives for all eternity.”
Respectfully submitted,
Neil deGrasse Tyson
April 3, 2022 – New York City
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Makayla’s Story
Makayla Strahle was a bright, adventurous 11-year-old who embraced life with joy and enthusiasm. She loved fishing, boating, swimming, and spending time outdoors with her family and friends. Remembered for her kind heart, contagious smile, and adventurous spirit, Makayla touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Her legacy serves as a reminder that every child deserves a safe journey to and from school.
On December 20, 2011, while returning home from school, Makayla was struck and killed after a motorist illegally passed her stopped school bus as she crossed the road toward her home. Her tragic and preventable death underscored the devastating consequences of stop-arm violations and became the catalyst for her stepfather, Daniel Sperry, to dedicate his life to improving student transportation safety. A deputy sheriff and school resource officer at the time, Daniel has since become a nationally recognized advocate for school bus safety through education, awareness, and policy initiatives designed to prevent similar tragedies. Today, as a Senior Advisor with the Child Safety Network, he works alongside families, transportation professionals, law enforcement, and safety advocates with one shared goal: ensuring every child arrives home safely.
You can read more about Makayla’s story and legacy here.
