It was eleven years ago, on January 11, 1998, that the Saugus softball family lost one of their own.

Eighteen year old, Lauren Blaire, a vibrant senior and talented catcher, was killed by a drunk driver while waiting at a red light at Plum Canyon Rd. and Bouquet Canyon Rd.

[view:node_ad=5]In honor of Lauren, the Saugus Softball Program and the Blaire family have maintained a $1,000 scholarship fund in her name. Each year, senior softball players are invited to submit an essay concerning the ongoing problem of drinking and driving and the consequences. A committee, headed by the Blaire family, will select the outstanding entry and the scholarship will be awarded and presented at the Saugus High CAPR Awards Ceremony.

On Thursday, April 16, 2009, the Saugus Varsity softball team will play a league game against West Ranch High School at the Hart Pony Complex at 7:00 pm. The Saugus team will play in memory of Lauren Blaire.

There will be a 50/50 raffle to help maintain the scholarship fund. Team parents, current and past players, Lamppost Pizza and the Blaire family have also contributed to the scholarship fund throughout the year.

If you or your business would like to make a donation as well, you can send it to: The Lauren Blaire Scholarship Fund c/o Saugus Softball Booster Club at 21900 W. Centurion Way, Saugus, CA 91350.

“It is a tragedy that such a memorial game should ever take place, however, we hope that those who attend realize the positive impact it provides,” the Saugus team said in a flyer for the event.  “The reiteration of the message that ‘drinking and driving’ don’t mix and that Lauren’s spirit is alive on the Saugus softball fields.”