Adam and Fran Kempa had a hard time returning to the high school of their late son, but the couple wanted to be there.

    On Thursday, Franklin High hosted its annual exhibit of student art. The show featured the exemplary work of Chris Kempa, 16, who was killed after being hit by a pick-up truck while walking across Merriman Road early morning Nov. 20.

    At the teen's funeral, family asked memorials be sent in Chris' name to the school's art department. Adam and Fran presented a check for $2,200 to the school during the annual art exhibit.

    Teacher Jeremy Rheault was "overwhelmed" by the financial contribution, which will help buy art supplies.

    "We thought Chris would have like (the donations) to go to the Franklin art department," Fran Kempa said.

    "It was very bittersweet. We would have been there anyway. The only thing that was missing was Chris."

    By all accounts, Chris blossomed as an artist during his freshman and sophomore years. He was a junior this year.

    His work ranged from sketches and self-portraits to ornate digital designs and videos.

    Rheault put up 30 pieces of Chris' work, which included sketches of himself, drawings of Edward Scissorhands and a character called "Tree Guy."

    "His strongest work was his self-portraits," Rheault said. "He had a personal style. In each one of his pieces, something would carry over."

    Some of his best work, though, is in the hands of friends at school and work, his mother said. Last spring, Chris did a pencil drawing of a woman underwater that he titled "Mermaid Girl."

    "In my opinion that was one of his best," Fran said.

    "Unfortunately for us, he would give them away. He'd say, 'Don't worry Mom, I can always draw some more.'"

    The family is trying to track down some of Chris' artwork that he gave away so they can take photos and put them on the Internet. His older brother set up a Web site: http://www. chriskempa. com, which displays his work and offers insight on his emerging talents.

    There is also a guest book where people have left condolences and words of support, "which are comforting," his mother said.

    Visitors had a chance to view slides of previous shows and the school art trip to Chicago on computer screens in the media center. Four monitors featured Chris' Web site where guests could leave messages.

    Turnout for the exhibit was the largest ever, Rheault said. Since the boy's death, other Franklin High art students have been inspired and dedicated. He attributes that to Chris' legacy.

    "It must have been difficult for the parents," Rheault said. "There were a lot of kids and a lot of parents there, but it was all in support.

    "I told them he will definitely not be forgotten."