McCain Scholarship

Lauren Ashley McCain, 20, daughter of Dave and Sherry McCain, of Hampton, Va., on April 16, 2007, fell victim to the shooter at Virginia Tech. Lauren, today, is living in the home that the Lord Jesus promised her and all believers. In Lauren’s tragically shortened life, she left no doubt to all who were blessed to know her that she loved the Lord and wanted others to know Him intimately, as she did. BEACH was blessed by her presence on the BEACH Breakers Girls Varsity Soccer team. As announced at our 2007 BEACH Breakers Sports Awards ceremony, the T.E.A.C.H. Board of Directors has established an annual sports scholarship to honor Lauren’s love and dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lauren and her family attended Restoration Church in Hampton, Va. Since Lauren became a Christian, her family stated her life had been filled with His love, that continued to overflow to touch everyone who knew her. Lauren noted on her MySpace.com page that Jesus Christ was "the purpose and love of her life."
Lauren was an undergraduate majoring in International Studies. She was an avid reader, was learning German, and had almost mastered Latin.
Lauren was homeschooled and was one of our own BEACH Breakers girls soccer players. Lauren was Coach Leslie Carmichael's center fullback for the school years 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Coach Karen Macri wrote, "Lauren was a vibrant believer; no one who knew her could have doubted her love for the Lord." Dept. Head Kellie Kessler wrote, "She was a very sweet girl and had a good relationship with her Jesus. She was always so wonderful to have on the team, and just a joy to everyone."
All who knew Lauren in the homeschool community loved her dearly and mourn her death; but we rejoice that she is with her Lord, who filled her short life with such profound purpose and meaning. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the McCain family for peace and comfort in the coming days.

The Scholarship is awarded at the June Sports Awards Ceremony to a Homeschooled Senior who, in the minds of the T.E.A.C.H. Board, the coaches and department heads, most exemplifies the life of Lauren McCain.

Purpose: To encourage and reward a 12th grade homeschooled athlete participating in the T.E.A.C.H./BEACH Sports Program, who has displayed in their character, both on and off the playing field, a love for Christ, and a passion for living a Christ-like life in word and deed .

T.E.A.C.H. Award: The scholarship will consist of a plaque and the book, Lifting our Eyes: The Lauren McCain Story, presented at the annual Sports Awards Ceremony.

The cash award of $250.00, to be matched by Lauren's parents, for any endeavor of the recipient's choosing, will be awarded at a special dinner in the summer.

Eligibility: Athlete must be a graduating homeschooled 12th grader and have played for one complete season on a BEACH BREAKERS team during the school year just ending. The athlete may be nominated by a Varsity coach, assistant coach, or department head.

Deadline for nominations and completed documents and testimonies: April 1st

These are descriptions from family and friends of Lauren McCain. T.E.A.C.H. is not looking for a duplicate of Lauren. Each individual will bring new life to this award with their own unique characteristics that are in keeping with our purpose.

"Highly motivated to learn"
"Adds good ideas and perspectives to discussions"
A good example
Wise beyond her years
Vibrant
Radiant
Always happy
"Even in the face of her own difficulties, kept a smile on her face so she wouldn't pull others down with her."
An encourager
Unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ.
Bold to share her faith.
A desire to teach others about Christ

Her Pastor Riley attributed Matthew 5:13 to Lauren. "You are the salt of the earth." "Salt gives things flavor and zest." She loved without fear. Compassionate, a sweet and innocent heart. A heart for family and friends, strangers, the elderly and the physically challenged.

"When you were engaged in conversation with her, she made you feel like you were the only person on earth."
One young man wrote, "Here I was, just this guy who walked into the back door of a church, and she treated me like royalty."

The book that was written about the VTech tragedy, Lifting Our Eyes, depicts Lauren (through her MySpace and words from friends and family,) "not a victim of violence, but a victorious inheritor of Heaven."

Lauren Ashley McCain Scholarship

1st Recipient of the Lauren McCain Award 2009

Subsequent Recipients