STARS - In Memory Of Ryan Price
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STARS Fund: Skills To Attain Real-world Success!
In loving memory of Ryan Price.
The “STARS” Fund (Skills To Attain Real-world Success) will be used to help students gain skills - via local trade schools, certifications, and the like - so they have tangible abilities to present to potential employers. From short programs like forklift or truck driving schools to longer programs like welding and phlebotomy courses, we will aim to provide full certification tuition to help as many students as we can.
We are working with Ryan and Sarah’s (his sister) Alma Mater, Etiwanda High School, as well as other schools in the district, to identify students who will benefit from this type of aid. The students will not be made to apply or perform to receive the funds, they will be selected by staff who know them and offered the support as a gift. 100% of donations received will be used to pay for programs and supplies for the students.
From Lynn Price:
“One year ago, Ryan passed away. We lost a son and a brother. Our hearts shattered that day and never really recovered. Ryan was wonderfully bright and individualistic. He was a force of nature, that’s for sure. Although his opinions were strong, he was an extremely sympathetic and non-judgmental individual. Ryan befriended those who didn't fit into society's boxes. Kids that didn’t really fall into a particular group or niche. He believed that everyone deserved kindness no matter their external appearance, background or talents.
Someone very close to me asked me recently to think of a way we can positively remember Ryan on this day. To represent him somehow and do some good. It made me think… There are multiple paths laid out for kids with fortunate backgrounds, as well as high achieving students on the “college track”. And there are also paths and assistance for students with unique needs, challenges, and obstacles. But what about the rest? What about those kids in the middle that don’t quite fit the standard mold? Kids that are not extroverts or over-achievers, but are intelligent and hard-working? Kids whose lives are “okay” but maybe without strong support systems or positive school experiences? Or who just refuse to adhere to social norms?
Ryan was the latter. He was wildly intelligent, an artist to the core, and he loved working with his hands. Could he have gone to college? Without a doubt! But he said it just wasn’t for him, and so he struggled too long to find a path that suited him.
This fund targets those kids who have no interest in the status quo, seem a bit lost, rebel at times or simply do not wish or feel able to navigate the traditional route. Some kids just want to start living life and need help with the skills to get going.
I wish beyond wishes that Ryan were here with me today. Words cannot express how much I miss my son. I can only hope to live life a bit more like him. To judge a bit less and see past appearances.
Please help us show other kids that they have value just as they are.
Love, Lynn"
In loving memory of Ryan Price.
The “STARS” Fund (Skills To Attain Real-world Success) will be used to help students gain skills - via local trade schools, certifications, and the like - so they have tangible abilities to present to potential employers. From short programs like forklift or truck driving schools to longer programs like welding and phlebotomy courses, we will aim to provide full certification tuition to help as many students as we can.
We are working with Ryan and Sarah’s (his sister) Alma Mater, Etiwanda High School, as well as other schools in the district, to identify students who will benefit from this type of aid. The students will not be made to apply or perform to receive the funds, they will be selected by staff who know them and offered the support as a gift. 100% of donations received will be used to pay for programs and supplies for the students.
From Lynn Price:
“One year ago, Ryan passed away. We lost a son and a brother. Our hearts shattered that day and never really recovered. Ryan was wonderfully bright and individualistic. He was a force of nature, that’s for sure. Although his opinions were strong, he was an extremely sympathetic and non-judgmental individual. Ryan befriended those who didn't fit into society's boxes. Kids that didn’t really fall into a particular group or niche. He believed that everyone deserved kindness no matter their external appearance, background or talents.
Someone very close to me asked me recently to think of a way we can positively remember Ryan on this day. To represent him somehow and do some good. It made me think… There are multiple paths laid out for kids with fortunate backgrounds, as well as high achieving students on the “college track”. And there are also paths and assistance for students with unique needs, challenges, and obstacles. But what about the rest? What about those kids in the middle that don’t quite fit the standard mold? Kids that are not extroverts or over-achievers, but are intelligent and hard-working? Kids whose lives are “okay” but maybe without strong support systems or positive school experiences? Or who just refuse to adhere to social norms?
Ryan was the latter. He was wildly intelligent, an artist to the core, and he loved working with his hands. Could he have gone to college? Without a doubt! But he said it just wasn’t for him, and so he struggled too long to find a path that suited him.
This fund targets those kids who have no interest in the status quo, seem a bit lost, rebel at times or simply do not wish or feel able to navigate the traditional route. Some kids just want to start living life and need help with the skills to get going.
I wish beyond wishes that Ryan were here with me today. Words cannot express how much I miss my son. I can only hope to live life a bit more like him. To judge a bit less and see past appearances.
Please help us show other kids that they have value just as they are.
Love, Lynn"
Organizer and beneficiary
Sarah Price
Organizer
Fontana, CA
Lynn Nanson
Beneficiary