Scholarship fund honors Mandy Hafleigh (December 08, 2004)

A scholarship fund in memory of Mandy Hafleigh, who grew up in Portola Valley, is being established at Woodside Priory School, where she graduated in 2003.

Ms. Hafleigh, 19, died November 18 at the University of California, Los Angeles, campus where she was a sophomore. She had struggled with depression, which finally overwhelmed her, said her parents Dave and Susan Hafleigh. Former Portola Valley residents, they moved to Napa shortly after their daughter's high school graduation.

Family and friends filled the Woodside Priory School chapel at a memorial service on November 27. A second service was held especially for her classmates and alumni from the classes close to hers.

Teachers who knew Mandy well -- Scott Parker (theology), Tom Carter (drama), and Jim Lawhon (a former history and humanities teacher) --spoke at the service. They described a student, actor, musician and athlete, who played some 60 seasons of team sports since kindergarten. She loved reading, traveling in Europe and giving gifts.

Tom Carter remembered Ms. Hafleigh as someone who listened carefully and responded with dignity. She had an unusual ability to look directly at anyone of any age and connect as a meaningful friend, he said.

Growing up in Portola Valley, Mandy attended Windmill Preschool, Ormondale Elementary School, and Corte Madera Middle School. Many local families know the Hafleighs through Mandy's participation in local sports leagues and the Corte Madera basketball team.

Her father, Dave, is well known from his coaching activities with local teams over the years. He also taught at Woodside Priory School from 1995 to 2003. Her mother was an executive at Oracle.

Lynne Elliott, whose family have been friends with the Hafleighs since their daughters started kindergarten, spoke of the example Mandy set as a talented athlete with good leadership qualities.

"In her short life, she had such a positive impact on us all," said Ms. Elliott. "I think the scholarship fund is a wonderful way to honor her."

The Hafleighs will be active participants in the scholarship fund, shaping it as a legacy to their daughter.

Contributions to the Amanda Paige Hafleigh Memorial Scholarship Fund may be sent to Woodside Priory School, 302 Portola Road, Portola Valley, CA 94028. Checks should be made out to the school with a notation, "Mandy Hafleigh Scholarship."

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