Jennifer LaBonte Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser 2011

I met Jennifer LaBonte when I was 13 years old. I was at the Xavier basketball camp the summer before I started high school. The instant that I met her, I adored her for her spunky personality, her depth of heart and caring, and she was all of the things that I knew I wanted to become as a person.

Jennifer sadly passed away in 2002. It's interesting to me that most of the people I have spoken to who knew her, have a very hard time talking about her in past tense. She is one of those souls who just sticks with you and seems to leave you little living reminders that she is always there as your angel.

In addition, everyone who knew Jennifer, also knew her family. Her father Jack, was one of the most loved teachers at Brophy. Her mother Sandy, was the school nurse, and was the person at that time who you went to for a late pass or to go home early from school- so she knew all of us. Her sister Mary, is now the attendance person at Xavier, and is someone that I have always known to live her faith OUT LOUD in a very kind and gentle way. It's easy to see knowing all of them, why Jennifer was the woman she was. It's also hard to imagine-- the great loss they all must feel in having such a presence and joy in their life be missing.

As we approach the 10 year anniversary of her passing, her friends and loved ones would love to offer the LaBonte family the chance to mark what could be a sad occassion with something positive by giving them the necessary funds to award a student in need a scholarship to attend Xavier. We are in need of $16,000 which is a daunting amount...however, this will ensure that the scholarship- as part of the Xavier Foundation endowment, can be awarded forever in Jennifer's name...not just one time.

I think we all have our own special stories about Jennifer. I can recall hundreds of little Jennifer moments that I have tucked away in my heart. We each have memories of ways that she made us feel truly special. She had the unique ability to really see through you and into your heart and make you feel like the only person...in a crowded room.

Mr. LaBonte always ended his classes at Brophy with one word as we walked out the door. He said, "Courage".

I ask you today to have the courage to help us, to dig deep, maybe give some funds that you might have spent on something else so that you can give more than is comfortable and make it a truly meaningful gift.

I think that is the best way to honor Jennifer---as she always gave more than was comfortable, to everyone, including strangers. She dug deep on a consistent basis.

I know that if we all do that...she will work her angel magic.

She is my hero for so many reasons and I find her often in my daily experience--but she seems to show up most often when I'm helping someone else to grow.

Below you can leave a note of your own experience with Jennifer. Or a note for the LaBonte family, or post a picture.

God Bless you all and love and peace to the LaBonte family, who have given us all so much love over many many years.

-Kristin Parrack '95, on behalf of the entire JLA event crew