Julia Smith's Education Fund

Mother's Day should be a day of celebration, but for 9th grader Julia Smith, it was filled with grief and loss. Her beloved mother, Mary Rafidi Smith, succombed to illness on Sunday, May 8, 2016. This fund will allow Julia to remain at De La Salle High School and to go on to college as her mother always dreamed she would.

Julia was the light of Mary's life. Mary married late in life and went into labor on Valentine's Day, and Julia was born on February 15. Julia's father passed away when she was only four years old and so Julia and her mother meant the whole world to each other. 

Julia attended St. Clement of Rome elementary school and is now a freshman at De La Salle. Mary sacrificed much for her daughter's education. She worked for years at UNO until she was forced to retire last year due to health issues. She enouraged her daughter to become involved in school and to join in as many activities as she was interested in. Julia is a member of De La Salle's drama club, La Troupe de la Salle, and is a baritone player in the marching band and also plays in the orchestra. She is a spirited young lady who is full of life and possesses a beautifully creative soul. 

Mary loved her daughter with all of her heart. Julia lost the most important person in her life but your contribution would be a big step toward helping her to complete the dream her mother had for her: to graduate from De La Salle High School and go on to college. 

Please give what you can. Any amount would be so very much appreciated.