Thanks to the generosity and loyalty of this Union family past and present, the first Taylor Witcher Memorial Scholarship was awarded tonight. Wade proudly read a few words about his big sister before presenting the scholarship to a worthy senior. Every minute of it was touching, but the comments from the background, from the crowd of students who know Wade and support Wade will stay with me forever. The staff at Union High School has created a unique and incredibly special culture. Hundreds of kids stood quietly, respectfully around the stage while this 17 year old boy described his sister; many of them are strangers to Taylor and to Wade - but they belong to some thing bigger than themselves, so they were kind and courteous and caring. The hearts and souls that made this scholarship possible move us beyond words; you have changed our lives and now you have also influenced the life of the young lady who received the scholarship. Based on the kind of grit she described in the scholarship essay she wrote, there is no doubt this young lady will forever be a game changer.
As Wade handed the senior, standing five foot one inch tall, her scholarship check, he also handed her a red tambourine.. I wish I could have relayed the message he sent with as much confidence and courage as he did, "Taylor always planned on playing a red tambourine in a rock band. Here is her tambourine," he said, handing it to the senior, "and it my family's wish that you remain fierce, little one, and that you go light the world."
I would post the video of the event, but this blog is not that sophisticated.
Our hearts long for a different ending, but we are forever grateful to Union. We didn't ask for a scholarship to be created for our girl; our Union family just did this. They just continue to love us. My colleague, Gart Morris, told our boss the other day, "We do so much more here than school."
Yes, Union, you do. And you do it so very well. She loves you, and I love you. May what you have invested in my children and in the thousands of children we serve return to you tenfold. Bless.
#allmylifeIwannabeaRedskin #union #family
#golighttheworld
#bestrongandcourageous