A scholarship fund honoring former Lake Orion High School cheerleader Natalie Nance has been started by her parents, parents of other former cheerleaders, and the cheerleading coaching staff.
Nance, a 2003 LOHS graduate and Oxford resident, was killed in a car accident on Jan. 14, while traveling near Cadillac on her way to Boyne Mountain.
‘Her parents had a wish to start a scholarship that was structured around pursuing areas that Natalie was most interested in,? said LOHS varsity cheer coach Nancy de Avila.
A silent auction and dinner to benefit the fund will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 1400 Orion Road on May 13. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35.
‘The main feature of the silent auction is a framed piece of artwork that Natalie created,? de Avila said.
Also featured in the auction will be weekend getaways and services donated by local businesses.
‘There will be an international strolling buffet dinner, cash bar and entertainment by the band Shadow (from 9 p.m. to midnight),? de Avila noted.
The Natalie Rae Nance Scholarship is a non-profit organization. The idea sprang from a conversation between Nance’s father, George, and junior varsity cheer coach Tina Bambard.
According to de Avila, Nance’s parents and sister have been very involved in the planning.
Nance was a junior at Western Michigan University, where she was studying business administration.
She excelled at art and cosmetology, receiving many awards for her outstanding accomplishments.
As a cheerleader at LOHS, Nance worked her way up to captain of the varsity team.
For ticket sales, donations and information, please contact Gayle or Ed Scarth at (248) 933-4680, or (248) 933-5978.