Pin It

Memorial Scholarship Honors Remarkable Young Life, Inspires Passion for Educational Travel in High School Students

May 12

Written by: Amy
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 9:00 AM

From left: Allison, Elizabeth & Karly on top of the Arc de Triomphe,
overlooking Paris during their NETC Educational Tour

From an early age, travel was a large part of Allison Lawrence's life. At age eight, Allison took a family vacation to Paris. Joe and Ruth Lawrence recall exploring the Louvre with their daughter, "After five hours Allison still wasn't ready to leave." Allison's passion for travel, language and learning began. It was an easy choice for Allison to study French during high school, following in her sister Leslie's footsteps.

NETC educational tour continues to inspire. In 2002 Allison traveled to France and Spain on an NETC Educational Tour arranged by Notre Dame High School French teacher Patricia Kussman and Principal Mary Beth Riley. Madame Kussman chose NETC for their hands-on approach to student tours, one she employs in class. With NETC, students studied French art from a Parisian artist's point of view, cooked authentic Spanish meals, and learned to dance the Flamenco. Elizabeth Obreza Hurst remembers, "sitting at a café, eating a croque-monsieur and watching people go by." She stuck close to Allison, "the perfect travel companion, at ease with the language and travel." Following the tour, Madame Kussman's French III honors students, including Allison and Elizabeth, participated in an enlightening art project. Students opened an imaginary art museum, deciding which artists and what kind of art their museum would represent. Some students could present insight gained on the NETC tour, as well as conduct independent research, demonstrating their knowledge about art.

Allison used her advanced knowledge of the French language at California State University, Chico. Allison began a double major in French and Biology. Her studies were put on hold when she was diagnosed with a synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, and had to undergo treatment. However, Allison demonstrated her passion for French by regularly consulting Madame Kussman to maintain her language skills. "I have a vision of her, bald and beautiful. She said, 'don't worry I'm going to France.'" Allison Lawrence passed away in May 2007, surrounded by her family.

Allison Lawrence Travel Scholarship created to inspire future student travelers. After losing Allison, the Lawrence Family received overwhelming support from the community. Donations in Allison's name poured in and the Allison Lawrence Travel Scholarship was created to honor Allison's love of travel. The scholarship provides one Notre Dame High School student the opportunity to travel abroad to France on an NETC Educational Tour. It is presented to a student who possesses Allison's passion for French, desire for travel and an overall thirst for knowledge. Student applicants must write an essay, reviewed by Ruth Lawrence, Elizabeth Obreza Hurst and a committee at Notre Dame High School. Collectively they select a scholarship recipient.

Scholarship recipient chosen for 2010 educational tour. Nicole Inamine has been chosen as the Allison Lawrence Travel Scholarship recipient for Notre Dame's 2010 NETC educational tour. Nicole Inamine's winning essay states, "Not only do I want to enjoy my trip, but I want to experience the country's people, culture and history from every angle possible, by delving into their communities and daily lives." Elizabeth Obreza Hurst believes Inamine was a good choice as the scholarship recipient. Speaking from her own personal experience, "doing an NETC program and being so cultural, helps you grow and mature."

Allison Lawrence inspires students for years to come. Mary Beth Riley and Patricia Kussman swear to continue the scholarship "as long as they can conjugate French verbs." Ruth Lawrence says many others have expressed interest in contributing to the scholarship fund. Elizabeth Obreza Hurst declares, "The trip is a memory that has stayed with me for seven years and will stay with me for 77 years." Allison Lawrence will continue to influence future Francophiles for years to come.

Categories:Education, Students, Travel

You might also like:

/Portals/2/icon-NeilGlobe.jpg