Goodrich-Six months after Kayla O’Mara died in a car accident, her legacy lives on.
The Kayla O’Mara Memorial Scholarship? named for the 16 year old track star who died last January in the crash that injured her twin sister Kaitlin and friend, Danielle Bila? was recently awarded to four local students.
A memorial race in Kayla’s honor will benefit future recipiants, as proceeds from the race going to the scholarship fund. The 5K run/walk will take place 9 a.m. on Aug. 5, at Goodrich High School, 8029 S. Gale Road.
‘This is a chance to honor Kayla and support the scholarship fund,? said O’Mara, who credits family friends Tom and Marylin Myers with helping to organize the event.
Cost is $20 for participation in the 5K (3.1 miles), or $12 to take part in a 1 mile ‘fun run.? Custom memorial medals will be awarded to all 5K participants.
Kayla’s father, Dennis O’Mara said though there was only a two week window for students to apply for the scholarship in it’s inaugural year, their were 16 applicants vying the two $1,000 scholarships and two $500 scholarships.
O’Mara said when selecting winners, a committee evaluated candidate based on those values which Kayla exemplified, including: academic success; a passion for running and dedication to teammates. Additionally, it was requested that, because Kayla felt strongly that student athletes should not use alcohol or drugs, candidates should also have refrained from using those substances in high school.
Additionally, applicants were required to write a letter detailing the reasons they were deserving of the scholarship and steps taken to achieve their academic potential during high school, provide a letter of recommendation from a high school teacher and high school cross country coach saying the applicant intends to run cross country in college.
O’Mara said all of the applicants were exceptional and regretted not being able to award each of them a scholarship.
Kayla was killed in a car accident on the evening of Jan. 24 that left her twin sister Kaitlin and Danielle Bila, 17, in critical condition at Genesys Regional Medical Center. The accident occurred while Bila was driving westbound on the Baldwin Road. Bila lost control of the Pontiac Bonneville she was driving on the icy road and spun across the center lane, hitting an eastbound 2001 Ford pick-up truck.
O’Mara said both Kaitlin and Danielle are doing well, adding Kaitlin plans to resume classes at GHS in the fall.
‘We really want to thank the community,? said O’Mara. ‘The support they gave my family’it’s just remarkable what people are willing to do. We’re just eternally grateful.?