On Monday night, after sinking two free throws, and with the LSU coaches in the stands, Shannon Veal passed. I heard from my mom who had just seen the story on the news. In fact, my dad was supposed to go to that game. I had boarded a plane to return to Russia at 4pm that day and was in the air when it happened...I was incredibly sad. Shannon was just beginning to shine and had a promising future. I feel like I saw Shannon grow up right in front of me. I saw her at LSU camp as a kid, in summer league and in high school games. I went when I was in town to support and know that Shannon will really be missed. Its been reported that she died of an enlarged heart ? which in so many ways, as time passes, may be seen as fitting. Shannon's heart was big ? bigger than the average person and it showed on her face and in everything she overcame. Shannon, in managing her diabetes always kept a positive spirit and displayed a tremendous work ethic. She was a joy and will always be an example. To her family, friends and teammates ? stay strong and god bless.
In her memory, I've worked with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation to establish a memorial scholarship fund. The scholarship will be awarded in May of each year to a Baton Rouge high school female attending a 4 year college or university who has overcome significant challenges or obstacles in her pursuit of excellence in sport, education and/or community service. Nomination forms will be available on my website (www.seimone33.com), on the Baton Rouge Area Foundation's website (www.braf.org) and in various guidance counseling offices by March 3, 2008.
Donations of any amount can be made by check made out to the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, noting "Shannon Veal Scholarship" in the memo line and sent to:
Baton Rouge Area Foundation
Attn: Shannon Veal Scholarship
402 N. Fourth St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
If you'd like to leave comments for Shannon in response to this post, I will make sure to forward them to her family....
Shannon overcame so much to put herself in a position to fulfill her dreams and attend college. She's a beautiful example of what we as young women can accomplish when we set our minds to it and hopefully, this scholarship serves as a celebration of that spirit. My family and I are deeply saddened by her loss...but hope that through Shannon's memory, we as a community can help other women pursue their dreams.
Original Story:
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/1577949....
In her memory, I've worked with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation to establish a memorial scholarship fund. The scholarship will be awarded in May of each year to a Baton Rouge high school female attending a 4 year college or university who has overcome significant challenges or obstacles in her pursuit of excellence in sport, education and/or community service. Nomination forms will be available on my website (www.seimone33.com), on the Baton Rouge Area Foundation's website (www.braf.org) and in various guidance counseling offices by March 3, 2008.
Donations of any amount can be made by check made out to the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, noting "Shannon Veal Scholarship" in the memo line and sent to:
Baton Rouge Area Foundation
Attn: Shannon Veal Scholarship
402 N. Fourth St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
If you'd like to leave comments for Shannon in response to this post, I will make sure to forward them to her family....
Shannon overcame so much to put herself in a position to fulfill her dreams and attend college. She's a beautiful example of what we as young women can accomplish when we set our minds to it and hopefully, this scholarship serves as a celebration of that spirit. My family and I are deeply saddened by her loss...but hope that through Shannon's memory, we as a community can help other women pursue their dreams.
Original Story:
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/1577949....
