SAGINAW -- A Chippewa Hills High School freshman has died from bacterial meningitis.

The Morning Sun Newspaper reports 14-year-old Shelby Finny died Tuesday after being diagnosed with the disease at Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bacterial meningitis is an infection that attacks the spinal cord and brain. It can be contagious.

Crisis Counselors are on hand at the school today (Thursday) to help students and staff through the difficult time. 

Friends have set up a Facebook page in her honor.  It states, “…She was a kind hearted person who was always there when you needed her. She was crazy&outgoing &knew exactly what to do or say to make you smile (: Shelby had tons&tons of talents & tried her hardest at everything she did. anyone who knew Shelby knew that she was smart & hard working. She got good grades, did sports, was a cheerleader & an amazing friend. If anyone remembers anything about shelby, its her smile. it was always there. no matter how bad her day was she had that smile on her face. She died way to young, but when we get to heaven, she'll be waiting.”  

NBC25 has left a message with the school’s principal to receive more information on any memorial services and funeral arrangements.