Tragedy Strikes Riley Family
Emily Hollister
1981 - 1999
Emily Hollister, 1999 Riley graduate was killed on Saturday Night Oct 9, 1999 along with five other individuals when a driver fell asleep at the wheel and ran off the road into a group of Texas college students. Emily was a dedicated student, outstanding athlete, active in student council and service projects related to NHS and other organizations. She was attending Baylor University with a major in Pre-Med. The entire Riley family is shocked and saddened at the news and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of Emily's family and friends whose lives she touched in such a special way.
"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leaving footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same."
-- author unknown
Emily Hollister was a great asset on the field as well as off the field on the Riley High School Softball team. She possessed a great sense of team spirit and optimism that was always present. On May 23, 2000, the last home game of the 2000 season, a tree dedication was conducted in memory of Emily Hollister. Along with the tree dedication, Emily's jersey #10 was also retired at this game. The game was held at Riley High School's new softball field. Stop by and see the tree and the dedication plaque. On the fence of the dugout there is a sign that says "Play Like Emily Today" and before the team goes on the field they will touch it in rememberence and for good luck.
Every year the Emily Holister Award is given to the player or players with the best mental attitude.
Memorial Contributions :
Emily Hollister Scholarship Fund
c/o First Source Bank
attn: Mary Sonneborn
219-235-2793
100 N. Michigan Street
South Bend, IN 46601
The following students have recieved the Emily Hollister Scholarship from 2000-2009
2000: Amanda Myers & Lyndsey Frushour
2001: Laura Horvath & Lamont Barlow
2002: Kari Meersman
2003: Laura Heline
2004: Alex Nimitz
2005: Kari Andert
2006: Heather Goeller
2007: Elizabeth Martin
2008: Lauren Carter
2009: Chelsea Tetzlaff
Emily's friends have set up the eMail account below... this is a place where individuals who feel so inclined may send thoughts and memories regarding Emily which they feel might comfort her family and help keep her memory alive. We must all remember that the best way to see that Emily's legacy is fulfilled will be to lead our lives in such a way that we advance the causes and accomplish the tasks which Emily would have embraced if she were still with us physically. Through our actions and philosophies we can see to it that Emily's spirit is truly eternal.
eMail Link: