About Riley I Whitelaw
Written by Riley’s Mum, Courtenay Whitelaw
The best way we thought we could honor Riley was to start a scholarship fund in her honor and perhaps other "parts" that encompass all that Riley is. Riley was/is (because writing in past tense seems so hard) a true empath and everyone that knows her would tell you so. We don't just say it because she’s our daughter, granddaughter, cousin or friend. She just is. Riley’s emotional intelligence is beyond her years.
She was a straight A student, worked part-time, volunteered at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region and was active in colorguard and winterguard at her high school. In fact, she was going to be named a section leader for her team this year until her life was taken. In school, Riley was known by her peers and teachers to be a "light,” always smiling (“Smiley Riley”) and a quiet, confident leader. From the time she was an infant she had the ability to comfort others (we have so many stories from when she was 11months old and on in the ways in which she ALWAYS "gave" to others in their time of need).
We never imagined being in this position and we would give it all up just to have Riley back but here we are and we will do whatever we can to honor her, carry her forward and continue to spread her kindness.
The first scholarships and grants from Riley's fund were awarded May 4th and 5th, 2023 to classmates graduating in Riley's class at Air Academy High School. We awarded two $2000 scholarships and four $400 grants. You can check out features on all recipients under our Scholarship Recipients link.
Our long-term goal is that this Memorial Fund will be around long past our lifetime in honor of Riley. We want Riley to live on in many ways and our motto has become: "Kindness Matters” as she is one of the kindest humans many have ever known. It is a tragedy that she is not here to continue carrying kindness forward so therefore we must do that for her.
We hope that in the future the Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Fund will be able to offer more than scholarships as Riley is renowned for her talent as an artist and she believed in helping others and she increasingly advocated for those more vulnerable populations (kids with special needs).
In the future, we hope to participate in other fundraising events that we believe Riley would be proud to be a part of (art galas, art shows, walks, runs, etc.).
We thank you for holding us up and sharing this journey with us.
#rememberingrileywhitelaw #smileforrileywhitelaw #kindnessmatters #justiceforrileywhitelaw
Riley’s Qualities
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A True Empath
A common theme throughout her short but rich life was that she had empathy, patience and compassion towards those around her. She allowed others to be seen, heard or recognized. If you were having a bad day, she had the innate ability to lift you up.
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Visual and Performing arts - Painter, sketch artist, colorguard, guitar
Dedicated, persistent and passionate about everything she endeavored to try, if she was trying something new, she would fully commit without hesitation. Her passions were artistic in nature, as she loved to draw or paint canvases as well as jam on a guitar. Her art was recognized throughout her life and won many school and local awards. Riley inspired others through her art, eclectic taste in music and shining personality.
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Ability to Quietly Lead
Riley was a quiet leader amongst her peers and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those around her. She was a straight A student, worked part-time, volunteered at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region and was active in colorguard and winterguard at her high school. In fact, she was going to be named a section leader for her team this year until her life was taken. In school, Riley was known by her peers and teachers to be a "light,” always smiling (“Smiley Riley”) and a quiet, confident leader.
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Hardworking with a Strong Sense for Service to Others
Riley was a multi-faceted, with many artistic and intellectual talents. She was a talented painter, sculptor, tie-dyer and guitarist. She excelled academically and was interested in biology and furthering knowledge and understanding of our world. She was good at all of these things because of her quiet internal drive to improve her knowledge and abilities. She didn’t necessarily shout it out to the world and she was humble about it but once she made a commitment to something or someone, she followed through with integrity.
Our Favorite Memories
While pictures and words will never do Riley justice, it is all we have. We love to share pictures of her throughout her life and think she is worth sharing. Riley was an absolute angel from birth and was becoming a beautiful young woman, both inside and out.
Sharing our Smiley Riley in Heartwarming Videos
Donate to the fund
The Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Fund grants scholarships to High School Seniors who carry the same qualities as Riley (kind, creative, intelligent, hardworking, and giving of her time).