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Claudia Pickeral's death a dozen years ago came as the result of a horrific crime. The 13-year-old was walking home from her school bus stop in Bushwood on Feb. 19, 1997, when she was attacked and murdered.
To honor Pickeral's memory, the St. Mary's County Branch of the NAACP in partnership with the Claudia Pickeral Reward Fund Committee announced last week that they have established a scholarship in Pickeral's honor.
"It was very touching," said Wayne Scriber, president of the local NAACP chapter, of the official signing and establishment of the scholarship last Wednesday evening. Members of Pickeral's family attended and witnessed the event.
"They were very appreciative," Scriber said. Reading a prepared statement, the family spoke of the difficulty in dealing with their daughter's death, he said. Then they thanked everyone for the love and support shown them over the years.
"No one had completely forgotten" the crime, Scriber said. "But [establishing the scholarship] reminded everyone of the tragedy. I was really happy we were able to do that for [the family] … establish a lasting legacy."
The scholarship fund will award two $500 academic scholarships annually to deserving students who have been accepted to or are currently attending an accredited college, university trade or technical school.
"We believe this to be a very appropriate way to honor Claudia's memory," Scriber said in a statement. "Her young life ended too soon for her to realize her potential, but with the help of this scholarship, she will be helping another young person realize theirs."
somdnews.com
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Claudia Pickeral's death a dozen years ago came as the result of a horrific crime. The 13-year-old was walking home from her school bus stop in Bushwood on Feb. 19, 1997, when she was attacked and murdered.
To honor Pickeral's memory, the St. Mary's County Branch of the NAACP in partnership with the Claudia Pickeral Reward Fund Committee announced last week that they have established a scholarship in Pickeral's honor.
"It was very touching," said Wayne Scriber, president of the local NAACP chapter, of the official signing and establishment of the scholarship last Wednesday evening. Members of Pickeral's family attended and witnessed the event.
"They were very appreciative," Scriber said. Reading a prepared statement, the family spoke of the difficulty in dealing with their daughter's death, he said. Then they thanked everyone for the love and support shown them over the years.
"No one had completely forgotten" the crime, Scriber said. "But [establishing the scholarship] reminded everyone of the tragedy. I was really happy we were able to do that for [the family] … establish a lasting legacy."
The scholarship fund will award two $500 academic scholarships annually to deserving students who have been accepted to or are currently attending an accredited college, university trade or technical school.
"We believe this to be a very appropriate way to honor Claudia's memory," Scriber said in a statement. "Her young life ended too soon for her to realize her potential, but with the help of this scholarship, she will be helping another young person realize theirs."
somdnews.com
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