Scholarship established in honor of Lauren Berray

A scholarship for Sisters High School students is being established in the name of Lauren Berray, a young mother who was killed in a tragic solo skateboarding accident at Black Butte Ranch last summer.

"Words will never be able to capture the pain and grief of Lauren Berray's passing," said her friend Katherine Canja Griffith. "The loss of a young mother, one so positive and full of goodness to share with the world, is a tragedy with no equal. Despite our mourning, it is important we honor Lauren and her generosity and selflessness by learning from the examples she set and the lessons she taught us about loving all around us, performing good works, and putting our neighbors above ourselves."

The scholarship is established through the Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) which is an organization designed to facilitate the monetary and administrative portions of scholarships, grants, and financial aid to Oregonians for the means of furthering educational goals.

This $1,000 scholarship will be granted to a graduating senior from Sisters High School who best demonstrates the qualities friends and family most loved about Lauren: generosity, selflessness, kindness and community involvement.

The awardee will have to meet specific criteria as well as complete an essay describing how they best portray these qualities.

It is intended that the first scholarship will be given out at the high school's 2015 spring awards assembly.

In order for the scholarship to be successful and the award to continue for years to come (the goal is 18 years), donations of any value are greatly appreciated.

"As of this date, the fund only has $600 out of a first-year projection of $5,000 so we have a ways to go," Canja said.

Follow the directions below to an OSAC secure website to make tax-deductible donations online. You may also send a check via the instructions below.

Website Donation:

Step 1. Go to OSAC Website http://www.oregon

studentaid.gov/

Step 2. Click "Donate" on the upper-right of screen.

Step 3. Click "Donate Now".

Step 4. Select "Lauren A. Berray Memorial" and amount plus additional information.

Check donation: Payable to OSAC; memo: Lauren A. Berray #688 Address: 1500 Valley River Dr., Suite 100, Eugene, OR, 97401.

For more information contact Katherine Griffith at 503-758-9590. You may also contact OSAC representative Rachel Cummings, at 541-687-7387.