Honoring the memory of someone who has passed on is one of the purposes for establishing memorial funds with the Community Foundation. Donors can honor the loved one lost, knowing their gift is benefiting the community in his /her name. One new fund at the Community Foundation that fits this purpose is the Stacey Boltz Palasek Memorial Scholarship Fund.

 

Stacey was born in Jamestown March 28, 1979. She was a 1996 graduate and valedictorian of Southwestern Central School. As a 2000 graduate of the University of Richmond, she earned degrees in biology and chemistry. Her master’s degree in analytical chemistry was received from the University of Georgia in 2003.

 

Sadly, Stacey passed away on October 14, 2006 at the age of 27. At the time of her death she resided in Charlotte, N.C. with her husband Matthew. She was employed by CEM Corporation of Matthews, N.C., a leading manufacturer of scientific microwave technology.

 

Most people who knew Stacey realized she was a bright young woman. What became apparent from listening to her colleagues speak at her memorial service was how truly talented she was. Her creative problem solving ability, team spirit in the workplace and the international recognition she was given in her profession were unknown to many. At the time of her death her most recent research had just been accepted for publication in the Journal of Peptide Science, the official journal of the European Peptide Society.

 

When Stacey was nearing high school graduation, she was frustrated by the lack of science scholarships awarded to students based solely on personal merit, such as intelligence, hard work, and motivation. This is why the Stacey Boltz Palasek Memorial Scholarship Fund will serve to provide scholarships for female students who are graduating from Southwestern High School and planning to pursue a career in science.

 

Stacey’s memory will continue to live on through the fund as more students benefit from it with each passing year. Stacey Boltz Palasek would be proud to know that she is continuing to make a difference and that the trail she blazed will not be forgotten.

 

If you would like to make a tax deductible gift to the Stacey Boltz Palasek Memorial Scholarship Fund, contact the Community Foundation staff at 661-3390 or go to the donate now page of our website.