Post by Rebel on Oct 31, 2009 15:36:11 GMT -5
October 2, 2009
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- The Clarksville and Montgomery County community is mourning one of its most prized students. The city's first-ever National Forensic Debate champion died in a car wreck near Sewanee.
"I just wish she got the chance to change the world because I know she would have," said family friend Amy Jackson.
As an infant, Kathleen Beach showed all the makings for success.
"Her mom has been coaching forensics for as long as I can remember, and so just as soon as she was able to tag along, Kathleen would be right there with her at all the tournaments," Jackson said.
Beech qualified for the National Forensic Debate Tournament as a freshman at Rossview High School and soon became Clarksville's first national champion.
"That was a major moment of pride for her entire family, for her school, for everyone that knew her," said Jackson.
Beach, a freshman at University of the South, crashed into an 18-wheeler while on her way to crew practice. She and a fellow student died on impact.
"It just doesn't seem, I just want the bad dream to go over," said Chris Davis, a Rossview High student.
The news is chilling for students and faculty at Rossview, since even after graduation, Beach continued to serve as a mentor.
"She didn't act like a regular high school student; she was much more mature," Davis said.
Those who love her said Beach shot for the moon, worked hard to achieve her goals and helped others along the way.
Instead of flowers, Beach's family would like for people to make donations to the Tennessee High School Speech and Drama League (THSSDL) Kathleen Thayer Beach Memorial Scholarship Fund, 430 Dixie Bee Road, Clarksville, TN 37043.
Scholarships will benefit students who share the love of debate and public speaking.
A visitation will be Sunday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Faith Outreach Church. A memorial service will follow at 4:30 p.m.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- The Clarksville and Montgomery County community is mourning one of its most prized students. The city's first-ever National Forensic Debate champion died in a car wreck near Sewanee.
"I just wish she got the chance to change the world because I know she would have," said family friend Amy Jackson.
As an infant, Kathleen Beach showed all the makings for success.
"Her mom has been coaching forensics for as long as I can remember, and so just as soon as she was able to tag along, Kathleen would be right there with her at all the tournaments," Jackson said.
Beech qualified for the National Forensic Debate Tournament as a freshman at Rossview High School and soon became Clarksville's first national champion.
"That was a major moment of pride for her entire family, for her school, for everyone that knew her," said Jackson.
Beach, a freshman at University of the South, crashed into an 18-wheeler while on her way to crew practice. She and a fellow student died on impact.
"It just doesn't seem, I just want the bad dream to go over," said Chris Davis, a Rossview High student.
The news is chilling for students and faculty at Rossview, since even after graduation, Beach continued to serve as a mentor.
"She didn't act like a regular high school student; she was much more mature," Davis said.
Those who love her said Beach shot for the moon, worked hard to achieve her goals and helped others along the way.
Instead of flowers, Beach's family would like for people to make donations to the Tennessee High School Speech and Drama League (THSSDL) Kathleen Thayer Beach Memorial Scholarship Fund, 430 Dixie Bee Road, Clarksville, TN 37043.
Scholarships will benefit students who share the love of debate and public speaking.
A visitation will be Sunday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Faith Outreach Church. A memorial service will follow at 4:30 p.m.