Hi, our names are Stephanie Cucinello, Madison Colombo, Hailey Carskaddan, and Riley Christian. We are fundraising for our best friend Kirsten Franz who passed away a year ago. This fundraiser serves to keep Kirsten’s memory alive by placing a bench in her memory on the beach in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. One of Kirsten’s favorite things to do was go to the beach. We hold such beautiful memories with her in this place. Additionally, we want to use this fundraiser to begin a scholarship at Lacey Township High School in honor of Kirsten. Kirsten was the strongest, most resilient, creative, supportive, and loving person. This scholarship would go to someone who embodies these qualities. As Lacey Township High School was Kirsten’s high school, we find it fitting to create a scholarship in her memory so her presence stays alive. A bench on Long Beach Island dedicated to Kirsten would create a safe and comforting space for her loved ones to visit. Kirsten battled with several medical conditions throughout her entire life. Against all odds, she always expressed gratitude, never complained, and was always smiling. She was a friend and family to so many, and her journey ended too soon. The ocean was her second home, an escape from reality, and somewhere she always rather be. When leaving home for college, she wasn’t going to leave the beach behind, which was why she chose Coastal Carolina University. It was her home away from home. This scholarship can be used for someone who is also yearning to find the same, and for someone who encompasses the same amazing qualities she did.