The Andre Roland Memorial Scholarship

Hi, My name is Christian Lewis. I am Andre's little brother. I am raising money for the Andre Roland Memorial Scholarship that my Mother created in 1989 following my brothers death in his honor to provide some assistance to students that are continuing their education.

My brother Andre Roland, was a 14 year old 7th grade student at Jefferson Jr. High School in Columbia, Missouri. His life was cut short for no other reason than "HATRED" and the color of his skin. On March 24th, 1989 my brother was murdered. He was found in a wooded area one block away from our home in the Clearview subdivision in Boone County, Columbia Missouri. There were many red flags surrounding my brothers death and a failed investigation by the Boone County Sheriffs dept. Within a week my brothers death was ruled a "SUICIDE" and the case was closed by the Boone County Sheriffs dept but the conclusion conflicts with the finding of the medical examiner. Andre's death certificate states his death was a "HANGING, UNDETERMINED WHETHER ACCIDENTAL OR PURPOSELY INFLICTED" There was never any proof that Andre was in fact "hanging" there are many assumptions. At the time the Sheriffs dept did not conduct interviews with close friends of Andre's that had a lot of valuable information including interviewing myself as I am known to be the last to see my brother alive.

Andre absolutely loved Life, education, family, friends AND MOST OF ALL GOD!

He was full of talent. He loved to play basketball, and football. He also loved to sing and dance. He was one of a kind. He was very compassionate, willing to help anyone and he was a GREAT FRIEND to many,many people.

This fundraiser for the Andre Roland memorial scholarship is important to me because my brother was big on education. He believed in setting goals and accomplishing them. He was very caring and I believe if Andre was here today he would be giving back and helping the youth, and trying to better our community.

My goal is to help 2 youth further their education by collecting donations. Any amount would be appreciated as every dollar adds up and counts. Due to our Mother starting this scholarship as she is no longer here with us, I want to honor her and my brother and carry on. I re-introduced this scholarship in 2021 it was the first time in over 30 years that there had not been a recipient for the scholarship. This is something that I look forward to continue doing every year. Thank you all for your support, it is very much appreciated.

The requirements to be eligible for the Andre Roland memorial scholarship:

1. Class of 2023 High School graduate continuing your education

2. Male and Female candidates

3. Write a one paragraph essay on Andre Roland

(Research Andre Roland, in your words tell me what you learned about what type of person Andre was, and the impact you believe Andre's death left on the community. What do you think is Andre's Legacy?)

*Research tools: Youtube channel((Andre Roland)) Facebook page, speaking to someone who knew Andre you're more than welcome to reach out to Christian Lewis

*deadlines to be announced *