For the first time in many years, students at Edgewood Middle School in Warsaw gathered for a semi-formal dance tonight. Though students enjoyed refreshments and dancing, the dance was also an opportunity to remember and honor 13-year old classmate Jaden Stout, whose life tragically ended on July 9, 2013 (see related).
In remembrance of Jaden, his family decided to establish the Jaden Stout Memorial Scholarship through the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. To assist the family in raising the initial $5,000 needed to establish the endowment, students Brenna Baney, Morgan Konie, Makayla Reed, Daisy Travis, Natasha Heierman and Breanna Mills came up with the plan for the dance. The endowment would provide scholarships for students seeking further education.
The theme for the dance was “A Night for Dreams” and decorations were chosen in navy blue and silver to compliment the winter season. The event was Deejayed, free of charge, by Ryan Helsar. Edgewood Middle School teacher Kami Toumey provided students with photographs for a charge that would go toward the Jaden Stout Memorial Fund.
Anyone wishing to donate to help the students reach the $5,000 goal needed to establish the endowment, may give monetary gifts to the Kosciusko County Community Foundation in the name of Jaden Stout Memorial Scholarship, 102 E. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580. Donations may also be made online at kcfoundation.org.