Tragic death sparks new beginning

May 18, 2008 10:21 pm

— SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP — Latasha Moore’s poems sit in an unread book, her words waiting for her mother’s strength to catch up with her grief.
Latasha would have been 18 years old, a graduating Lakeside High School senior with a new baby boy and an eye on a cosmetology degree.
Instead, Latasha’s mother, Lolita Moore, presented a scholarship in Latasha’s name, the only representation the girl would have at the Lakeside High School 2008 Senior Academic Awards Ceremony Sunday afternoon.
Latasha died in June 2007 when she was hit by an oncoming car on Route 20. She was 14 weeks pregnant when she died.
Lolita Moore said the upcoming anniversary of her daughter and unborn grandson’s death sparks her deepest grief.
“I can’t read (Latasha’s) poems, even though I know she loved to write them,” Moore said. “She would have graduated this year. She was so excited about turning 18, being a mom and graduating. This would have been her year.”
Moore’s heavy tears fell on the check, her hands shook uncontrollably as she signed the money over to LHS senior Amanda Whitlock, who will attend New York University in the fall to study English and creative writing.
“I didn’t know Latasha,” Whitlock said, “but I am so glad that I got a scholarship that means so much. I can’t even describe this feeling.”
Latasha’s friends and family held a benefit in December to raise money for a creative writing scholarship.
“God gave me the mind to do (the benefit). I believe Latasha would have gone on to school. She isn’t here, but she is helping someone else live her dreams.”
More than 70 other students also received scholarships and academic recognition at the dinner. Also, 54 Ohio honors diplomas were awarded. The awards ceremony was sponsored by LHS Academic Boosters and the scholarships were given by local families, organizations, groups and military offices, LHS Guidance Counselor Catherine Dewey said.
The Academic Boosters also honored the top 10 students in the LHS Class of 2008.
“The Academic Boosters raises money throughout the year for the scholarship ceremony,” boosters secretary Jill Applebee said. “I think the students feel the support of the community behind them when they take their scholarship money off to school.”
The Academic Boosters will hold a Walk for Academics fundraiser from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday. LHS students, parents, grandparents and supporters who raise $25 in sponsorship will walk a mile to raise money for the boosters.

Photos

LOLITA MOORE sheds a tear while presenting Lakeside High School senior Amanda Whitlock with a scholarship Sunday. Moore created the scholarship to be given to a student who excels in creative writing in honor of her daughter, Latasha, who was struck and killed by a car while walking crossing Route 20 last summer in Ashtabula. WARREN DILLAWAY