1st Annual Gweedo Memorial Scholarship Award Ceremony
The Gweedo Memorial Foundation was created by Tammy Guido after she tragically lost her son, Conner, in a car accident last October. Tammy has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving to the dangers of reckless driving and driving without a license, among high school students. She is also working to raise funds for the scholarship in her late son's honor.
Tammy Guido contacted the office of Delegate Mugler to introduce legislation that is being called "Conner's Law".
“Conner's Law will make the roads safer for all of us, specifically student drivers. It was an honor to speak at the Scholarship Award Ceremony this morning and to be asked to carry Conner's Law in the 2021 session.” - Comments from Delegate Mugler who attended the ceremony
Delegate Martha Mugler
Transcripts from the Scholarship Ceremony
“Good morning. Thank you for coming today. Without your support we would not have this opportunity to honor my son Conner. As you know Conner tragically lost his life in October. We gather here on the soccer field today, Conner’s favorite place, to honor his life. Conner was such an amazing person and was a friend to everyone. He is so dearly missed.
I would like to recognize Delegate Mugler. I am so appreciative of your support and we look forward to our continued work together to pass Conner’s Law this upcoming year. This is an effort we are undertaking to bring awareness and education to the dangers of speeding and driving without a license. More children are killed each year.
I want to thank all the applicants and the hard work they put in towards applying for Conners scholarship. As you know applying for a scholarship is work and dedication and shows each applicants true love for Conner and who and what he stood for. It was a very hard decision for us. as we reviewed each application we realized all of the applicants have achieved so much in their life already. From their GPA, to their extra curricular activities coupled with the letters of recommendation it’s Easy to see Each applicant is deserving of this scholarship and have the potential to make a difference in this world.
We are so pleased to award the first Gweedo Memorial Scholarship to Owen Shiflett. Owen please come join me. Owen is attending the Ohio State University majoring in Computer Science Engineering.
When I received Owens application reading his essay literally dropped me to my knees. It was so symbolic of many conversions I had had with Conner myself and reminded me of all Conner over came and his dedication to persevere.
Because the decision was so hard we decided to award another scholarship to our runner up, Eddie Fiocca. Eddie please come join me. Eddie plans to attend VT and major in Business and Finance. Eddies application showed a dedicated well rounded young man who is going to go far in his future endeavors.
Because of the communities generosity and support and the number of applicants, this being the first year of the Gweedo memorial scholarship we are honored to award additional honorary scholarships to 7 well deserving students:
As I call your name please come join me.
Karter Jones. Karter will be attending Brigham Young university
Christian Aunapu. Christian will be attending VT
Logan Jackson. Logan will be attending VCU
Taylor Ditto is attending Longwood university
Phoebe Barnett is attending JMU
Jenna Oliver. Jenna is attending Lenore College
Garrett Norfleet. Garret is attending Savannah College of Art & Design
I know most of you are probably wondering how we came up with these non traditional amounts for these scholarships.
Conner was born in 2003, on April 16th and 16 was Conners jersey number. We felt these amounts allowed us to represent Conners presence to each of the applicants in a special and unique way they can hold near and dear to their hearts for the years to come
I am pleased to welcome each of you to my family
www.IfYouSeeSomethingSaySomething.org
In order to have Conner’s Legacy live on we hope for your continued support.
We have rescheduled Conner’s futsal Soccer tournament to the weekend of July 31-August 1 & 2
We will have a silent auction, food and fun and hope you will come out to support us”