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Former Lafayette High class awards scholarships in memory of fallen classmatesBy Diane Plattner
 A former graduating class from Lafayette High School in the Rockwood School District recently awarded three unique scholarships in memory of three of their fallen classmates.
On April 23, three Lafayette High School seniors at the Senior Awards Night were the first recipients of the Class of 2002 Memorial Scholarship. Members of the 2002 Lafayette graduating class created the scholarship last summer to honor three of their former Lafayette High classmates: Ryan Trigg, Eric Gabel and Bobby Maessen, who have since passed away. Trigg passed away in November of 2004; Gabel died in June of 2006 and Maessen died in February of 2007. “As my class had sat side-by-side in school with these boys for years, their loss was still fresh to us, and we decided we had a unique opportunity for some good to come out of such tragedy,” said Jill McDonnell, scholarship chair. Fellow classmates were generous with donations that enabled the creation of three $500 scholarships to be awarded to three graduating seniors, McDonnell said. McDonnell and another representative from the class of 2002, along with two Lafayette High officials and members of the Trigg, Gabel and Maessen families, reviewed the applications. Trigg’s recipient had to be involved with ROTC, Gabel’s had to attend Rockwood schools K-12 and Maessen’s recipient had to demonstrate Christian values through leadership, McDonnell said. Trigg’s recipient was Jasmine Cross, who serves as a cadet/captain in the junior ROTC; is involved with the Black Student Union and Renaissance Student Steering Committee; and plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia to study biology. Col. Mike Berenc, who wrote Cross’ recommendation letter, said that in his tenure, they have never promoted a person to cadet as fast as her. He also said that Cross reminds him of Trigg’s dedication and serious approach to the classroom, his desire to succeed in life and his love for his country. “This scholarship will not only help buy materials needed to be successful in college, but it will also help me remember how hard I worked and it will keep me focused,” Cross said. Trigg’s mother, Becky, said she is pleased that the scholarship will provide an opportunity that Cross might not have been otherwise able to achieve. “It’s also a wonderful way to keep Ryan’s name and memory alive,” Becky said. Gabel’s recipient was Jessica Motz, a first-generation college student, who has worked an average of 20 or more hours a week to help finance a college education. Motz, who plans to attend Kansas State to study interior architecture, has been involved in student council, Key Club, Class Advisory and softball. “I feel extremely fortunate to be recognized for this scholarship that will help a tremendous amount in funding for my college education to become an architect,” Motz said. Gabel’s mother, Cathy, said her son also was trying to finance his education at the time of his death. “It’s important for any kid to know that there’s money out there to help them get through this on their own,” Cathy said. Maessen’s recipient was Alex Johnson, president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, who plans to attend Harding University in Searcy, Ark., and continue more mission trips. Jennifer Clark, who knew both Johnson and Maessen and wrote one of Johnson’s recommendation letters, said she believes Johnson can carry out Maessen’s passion to reach people. Tim Jones, Lafayette senior class principal, said Lafayette is appreciative of the support the class of 2002 has displayed in honor of their fallen classmates. “The students selected for the memorial scholarship have been given the opportunity to continue their education and were chosen based on their representation of the values and character displayed by Ryan Trigg, Eric Gabel and Bobby Maessen,” Jones said. Jones, McDonnell, and the parents of Trigg, Gabel and Maessen said they hope these scholarships inspire other classes to give back to the high school. “It’s a sad situation," said Maessen’s mother, Cindy. “But we’re honored to have been included in this and hope there’s many years to follow awarding the scholarship.” Donations to the scholarship fund can be sent to: Class of 2002 Memorial Scholarships Lafayette High School c/o Beth Brasel 17050 Clayton Road Wildwood, MO 63011
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