By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
On Aug. 13, the 10th Annual Natalie R. Nance Scholarship Gala will take place in Leonard but the scholarship’s ties are very much rooted in Lake Orion. The scholarship fund was created in memory of late LOHS alumni, Natalie Nance.

While attending her junior year at Western Michigan University, Nance, who graduated in 2003, was killed in a car crash during Christmas break in 2006 when she was 21-years-old.
According to the organizers of the gala, Nance was a gifted athlete and artist, who excelled in LOHS’s advanced art program. Childhood friend Katie Scarth was in cheerleading with Nance and remembers her as an amazing person and an extremely talented artist.
“We thought this was the best way to honor her memory because art was her gift, her passion, it’s what drove her everyday.” Scarth said. “The gala is one of the biggest things we do for the scholarship, we do other things here and there, but this is truly the pulse of the scholarship.”
The scholarship provides thousands of dollars every year to LOHS seniors who plan to pursue art at a university or trade school following graduation.
Since starting the scholarship program in 2006, more than 20 former LOHS students have been awarded scholarships from the Memorial Fund, including 2007 graduate Angela McBride, who has gone on to work as a Walt Disney animation studio artist with credits in the film Frozen and Zootopia, and 2007 graduate Brad Lawrence, who is a nationally recognized hydrodynamics artist and fashion designer and owner of BL Visuals.
This weekend’s gala hopes to continue the tradition of artistic and educational support achieved by the scholarship fund. It will feature kid friendly activities, including games, door prizes, 50/50 raffles, bounce-houses, silent auction opportunities and live music.
Windsor-based recording artist, Cal Caffaro, will be providing the music for the evening as he has contributed to the gala for seven years.
“This is perfect because it’s fun, friendly environment for friends and family to come out and not only remember Natalie but the scholarship itself is wonderful because she knew how important education was and so this is a way we can give back to the students to make sure they’re able to go and pursue their dreams,” Scarth said.
Tickets can be purchased for $20 and include unlimited food. Adults who are 21 years-old and over may opt for an all-inclusive $40 ticket, which includes food, fun and a selection of alcoholic beverages.
The gala will take place at private residence at 3300 Hagerman Rd. in Leonard, and there will be plenty of signage to direct traffic.
For tickets purchases and general inquiries, email info@natalienancescholarship.org. Donations can also be made using PayPal by visiting the Fund’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/NatalieNanceScholarship and clicking “Donate Now.”
The Natalie R. Nance Scholarship is a non-profit organization and all ticket purchases and donations are tax-deductible.