One of the many reasons I love working for a nonprofit organization is that I am in a unique position to help people, and today is such a day. When a young person like Shawna–a beautiful and promising Ford City High School junior–dies, most of us cannot comprehend the depth of grief that the family and friends feel. We want to do something, anything, to help ease the pain–to erase the memory of that horrific traffic accident. Prayer, cards, food, and love all help, but there is something else we can do that will live on.

While no one can take the pain away for Shawna’s loved ones, the family and friends who have established a scholarship fund at the Armstrong County Community Foundation in her memory have provided a way to positively channel overwhelming grief into something positive–something that will live on and honor Shawna’s memory.

I would write this post if it were another organization that was handling the donations for the Shawna Lynn Petrosky Memorial Scholarship. Even if you did not know Shawna personally, please consider contributing to this fund (as I have). My prayer is that this effort will be a source of comfort for her loved ones; that they would know how many people care about what happened and want to help.

Mail your check made out to “ACCF” to 160 N. McKean Street, Kittanning, PA 16201, and put “Petrosky” in the memo line. We will make sure the family knows who has contributed (but not the amounts). Donations are tax-deductible.

I know our community to be caring and compassionate; let’s show just how giving we can be.

On behalf of Shawna’s family and friends, thank you.