St. Amant, LA - Senior Photographer - Allen Rowell Memorial Scholarship

Morning thoughts:

So, my life for the last several months has been consumed with it being senior season and I have truly enjoyed it! M E M O R I E S - I use this word often, but that's what this is truly all about.

I'm in such a unique position. I get to encounter some of the most awesome young people and capture their hopes and dreams through the lens of my camera. It's all there! It's in their eyes, in their personalities, in their uniqueness, in their words and actions. I get to freeze all of that in an image.......can you image that?! Thinking about that, typing those words out and reading them again feels heavy, but in the most beautiful way. The importance of that to me is immeasurable and I'm just grateful for my journey in photography.

Graduation week is now upon us. It is such an exciting and emotional time for students, parents, family and faculty.

Last night my son and his classmates of STA took the field together, walked across the stage to receive their diploma covers, shifted the tassels on their heads and threw their caps up into the air with the words "class of 2023 you are dismissed". Tonight, the students of East Ascension will do the same and Friday it will be Dutchtown's turn.

Yesterday while scrolling through Facebook, I ran across a post that stopped me in my tracks. One of my 23 Dutchtown seniors (Scott) was awarded a very special scholarship. This scholarship is in memory of one of my former EA seniors (Allen) who was one of my little brother's best friends. Allen passed away tragically in June of 2014 and this scholarship was set up in 2017 by Allen's parents and sister. In their words:

The Allen Rowell memorial scholarship fund.

Our goal is to annually award a scholarship in memory of our son & brother.

Allen Rowell was a great example of honesty, loyalty, good sportsmanship, humility, humorous and a kindhearted young man. Allen always offered a smile and had a song in his heart!

Until we meet again, we cherish his memory!

When I read that Scott received this award, it felt like a full circle moment, and I couldn't help but to smile. I was able to speak with Scott's mom yesterday to let her know just a little bit of who Allen was and how wonderful his family is. She was able to tell me what the scholarship requirements were and what it meant to them for him to receive it. I have had a couple little signs from Allen since 2014 that I have shared with his parents. It had been quite some time since the last one, but his reach was apparent yesterday and I am so appreciative. The sign was of faith, hope and love. Allen gave that gift to me yesterday..........all in his honor and in his memory. Not only did I think of him yesterday, but in the chaos of my son's graduation day, I prayed and had focus on God. No greater gift than that. In all of my worry, fear and anxiety about the day......I was hushed and calmed. This was repeated in the closing address from the class president at the ceremony last night too just to solidify that God is still in control. Thank you Allen ♥

No tears yesterday for my son, only tears remembering sweet Allen. Behind each of these memorial scholarships is a very special person with a story, a family who adored them, friends who loved and so many others who have valued them. I knew that I wanted to share some of his senior images today and jot down these thoughts since it's EA's graduation (Go Big Blue). So here we go - ALLEN | Sr. 2011 - You are always remembered and missed dearly.

If you would like to donate to this scholarship, here's the info:

This scholarship fund is a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit organization, which is approved by the IRS to be tax exempt.

ALL donations to this fund are greatly appreciated. Sincerely, the Rowell family.

Donations can be made at UCB bank. The account name is: Allen Rowell Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Any donations can also be mailed to: 42054 Boogie Lane, Gonzales, LA 70737.

A receipt will be mailed to all donors for their tax records.

Also, be on the lookout for the Allen Rowell Softball Tournament every year in May! Get a team together for next year and come out for food and fun. The Allen Rowell Memorial Game is held each season during the EA/STA game at EA Baseball Field in Gonzales.

Congratulations again Scott on this super special scholarship and good luck at BRCC!

2023 Dutchtown Baseball Recipient, Scott Recile, at awards night.

Scott was one of my Dutchtown seniors this year.

Scott Recile - Dutchtown Sr.’ 23

My brother, Michael, and Allen 2011 EA awards night.

BASEBALL.....where legacies live on! #3, Allen Rowell.

#33 my bub, Michael.

EA Baseball Field

Allen's memorial game is held every year for the EA/STA match up. God Bless the Rowell Family.

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