HELEN MARIE WITTY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

    The Helen Marie Witty Scholarship, like a phoenix, arose out of the ashes of a tragedy. On June 1, 2000, an intoxicated and distracted Carla Wagner was rushing home while Palmetto sophomore Helen Marie was roller-skating. Both of their lives were changed irreversibly that day. In a drunken and panicked frenzy to make it home, Carla had veered off the road and struck Helen Marie, killing her on impact. Helen's sudden death shook the community and stirred unease amongst her friends. Frustrated with the knowledge that their friend's death was avoidable, Helen's fellow drama club members banded together to raise awareness against drunk driving and create a lasting memorial for her. They found their answer in a walkathon.

   Thus, the Helen Marie Witty Walkathon was founded in 2001. These students silently marched through the streets of Pinecrest to raise awareness about the unprecedented number of drunk driving-caused deaths that plague the United States and had just claimes the life of someone they loved. The money raised by this event became its own memorial scholarship in Helen's name. The scholarship is awarded to theatre students who embody Helen's love of theatre and passion for life as well as their academic and community service acheivements. 

   Now, the same purpose remains, but the Witty scholarship fundraising has gotten a makeover. Instead of a walkathon, the scholarship will recieve its funding by hosting a charity gala at Fairchild Tropical Gardens. This event will be held on Feburary 20th, 2015. For ticketing and sponsorship information, click here. 

  Today, the scholarship lives on and remains a vital resource for South Florida theatre students, having awarded scholarships yearly since the first Witty scholarship in 2001.