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Light Rain Scholarship created in Schroeder’s memory
It has been six months since Chris Schroeder, an 18-year-old senior at South High School, died after a two-year battle with leukemia, but his memory lives on.
Shortly after Schroeder’s death, his senior classmates decided to start a scholarship fund in his name as their class gift. Each year, the graduating seniors at South present a gift to the school at the end of the year. Class of 2013 President Nihal Majumder said he and his classmates wanted to do something to honor Schroeder and preserve his memory.
“We felt that it was important to honor Chris because he was such a big part of our class,” said Majumder, who is now a freshman at Boston University. “His battle inspired people in our class in a such a strong [way]. His personality when he was at South just made everyone happier, and it was really memorable.”
The Central High School District Board of Education formally approved the Chris Schroeder Memorial Scholarship in August. It will be funded through the class of 2013’s gift and donations.
The $250 scholarship will be awarded each year to a graduating senior who is in good academic standing, is a member of the orchestra, band or chorus, and has demonstrated growth in academics or extracurricular activities during his or her time at South.
A committee made up of guidance counselors, administrators, student activities directors, the special education chair, a member of the music department and senior class advisors will choose the honoree each year, Principal Maureen Henry explained.
Chris was born Dec. 4, 1994, in Fayetteville, N.C., and was adopted by Wally and Carole Schroeder. He would have turned 19 this week. Wally said he and his wife have kept in contact with Henry and the South staff over the last six months, and added that it is nice to see their commitment to their son.
“It means a tremendous amount to us,” Schroeder said of the scholarship. “It’s an honor on how they think of him and how they want to keep him around, keep him in their memory and keep him at South High School.”
