J.T. Kotby

McCraken, Elder receive Chen award

Stephanie McCraken, LHS senior, and Mrs. Elder, LHS English teacher, were the two recipients of the Ana Chen Memorial.

McCraken received her plaque at the senior breakfast on Thursday morning, and Elder received hers at the faculty meeting on Wednesday night. It was given by LHS Multicultural group as "a reflection of the virtues that Ana possessed and brought out in the world," according to a hand out from Multicultural group.

"I thought it was a really great honor, especially considering all the things Ana Chen went through in her life. I found her story heartbreaking," said elder.



She explained that Amnesty International and human rights clubs awards goes to the students more than others, such as teachers and staff, but she appreciated how the Ana Chen Memorial was directed to others outside of Multicultural group.

Ana Chen was a 2000 graduate of LHS who was killed in a tragic car accident at the age of twenty. During her time at LHS, she was an active member of Multicultural Group, and continued to improve what she could as a member of a multicultural sorority and the Activities Council in college. She planned a future based on bettering the world.

"I’m glad that we’re doing the Ana Chen Memorial because it’s really nice to honor a previous Multicultural Group member, and a life taken too soon," said Paige Courtney, multicultural member.