On April 11, 2009, 17-year-old Hannah Christine Young lost her life in a car accident returning home from Tennessee with family. Since that time her family and friends have been left to make sense of this tragedy and to reflect on Hannah’s brief, but inspired, life. In the wake of their loss, Hannah’s parents, Derrick and Edie Young, have made it their personal mission to do all they can to “honor Hannah’s memory, glorify God, and point people to Jesus.” As described by Edie, “Hannah led a life of faith that was revealed in her commitment to her Lord, church family and community. She glowed with life and was a friend and inspiration to many,” she added.

One way the Youngs have chosen to honor Hannah’s memory is by creating the Hannah Christine Young Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Springfield Foundation. This Fund will assist graduates of Emmanuel Christian Academy and Kenton Ridge High School who demonstrate a strong Christian faith, high ambition and tenacity, and academic potential as they pursue post-secondary education or Christian educational opportunities. The Youngs, along with other members of the community, will assist the Springfield Foundation with the selection of recipients annually. The goal of the Fund will be to award two, $1,000 scholarships annually, beginning in 2010.

This scholarship is primarily a merit or character-based scholarship and is a departure from the traditional, need-based scholarships administered by the Foundation. “God can do extraordinary things through ordinary people like Hannah. This scholarship was created to provide assistance to ‘ordinary’ kids,” added the Youngs. “It gives us great pleasure to help Hannah’s family help others now and for generations to come,” Springfield Foundation Development Officer, Horton Hobbs said. “This scholarship is a perfect way to honor Hannah and create her lasting legacy.”

If you would like to make a contribution to Hannah’s scholarship, please send contributions to: The Springfield Foundation, c/o Hannah Christine Young Memorial Scholarship, 4 W. Main St., Suite 825, Springfield, Ohio 45502.

Establish your own Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more information, contact , Development Officer at 937.324.8773.