Dakota/Zie Zie Memorial Scholarship

On December 4, 2003, a precious little girl was born to Jeff Patterson and Stephanie DeRouen Patterson. Mackenzie Claire “Zie Zie” Patterson was the sister of Sabrina Dian Patterson and the granddaughter of Gayla and Steve DeRouen, Kathleen Toliver Patterson and the late Floyd Patterson. In January 2006, the Nederland Alternative Education School put in place a pet therapy program with a three-month old Airedale Terrier named Prince Dakota of Sheila Court. At the young age of three, “Zie Zie” showed a love of animals, in particular dogs, cats, and horses. Soon a bridge was built for Dakota and “Zie Zie’s” journey. “ Zie Zie’s” grandfather, Steve DeRouen, a long time teacher at the Nederland Alternative School, would bring her to visit Dakota. The two of them developed a special bond. It was not long before “Zie Zie” declared that she wanted to be a veterinarian so she could take care of Dakota and other animals. As Dakota continued to work at the Alternative School, a noted difference was made among the students and faculty. The positive changes that were seen in many of the hardest students were far beyond any expectations. Over and over again, troubled students found peace and calm through the unconditional love that transpired between them and the Airedale Terrier, Dakota. On June 15, 2009, “Zie Zie”, a soon to be student at Langham Elementary, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Her family, friends, and four legged buddy Dakota stood by her as she courageously battled this childhood leukemia. “Zie Zie” underwent a bone marrow transplant, thanks to Sabrina, her sister, being a 100% match. Despite the transplant and several years of treatment, Mackenzie Claire “Zie Zie” Patterson, 9 years old, passed away June 27, 2013 at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Prince Dakota, now 10 years old, continues his work with “at risk” students at the Nederland Alternative School. It is comforting to know that when it is Dakota’s time to cross the Rainbow Bridge, “Zie Zie” the angel vet will be there to greet him. To honor the legacy of Dakota’s work at the Nederland Alternative School and in memory of Mackenzie “Zie Zie” Patterson’s love of animals and her dream of becoming a veterinarian, this scholarship is established and will be given to a Nederland High School senior student who is majoring in pre-vet or animal science.