Founded by parents Michael and Sheryl LaRoi for Urbana High School graduating seniors majoring in education or performing arts.
Christine LaRoi was a junior at Urbana High School whose love of ballet and modern dance defined her life. She began dancing at the age of five. She took classes at Dance Unlimited and 24/7 and performed one of the major parts in Urbana High School’s spring 2004 musical production of ‘swing.” In school, she liked her Child Development and English Literature classes and tried out for the cheerleading team days before she tragically passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Penn Shop Road. Christine hoped to study elementary education at the University of Montana or West Virginia University and pursue a career in teaching in Whitefish, Montana, where her family owns lakefront property. Members of the LaRoi family turned to the Community Foundation to establish The Christine LaRoi Memorial Fund. The Fund honors 17-year-old Christine LaRoi’s legacy by awarding scholarships, particularly to Urbana High School graduating seniors interested in the performing arts.