A local D'Iberville High School student lost her life four years ago. Her mother and a family friend chose to remember her by giving back to the community.
Hollie Gonsoulin was a young girl who touched many lives throughout her short life. News 25 caught up with her mother, Tina, and a family friend who have worked together to set up a scholarship fund in Hollie's name.
A 16-year-old full of life was the victim of an unforeseen death due to natural causes back in 2014. Four years after she passed away, she is still remembered every single day.
Gonsoulin's passion for dance has now inspired a local family to sponsor the Hollie Gonsoulin Memorial Scholarship. Family friend and sponsor of the scholarship Kelly Spinner said, "We are going to give $5,000 to a D'Iberville dance student because Hollie went to D'Iberville High School. We are also going to give $5,000 scholarship to a Biloxi High dance student."
But the recipient of the scholarship must be more than just a dance, the scholarships focuses on a leadership and community involvement, two qualities Hollie embodied throughout her life. "It's to keep her legacy alive, her passion for dancing, and for helping others."
The scholarship will be open to applicants from January 1st, 2019 until March 31st. A panel of judges determined by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation will be making the decision on which two dancers win the scholarship. "We want the girls to have a passion for dance, a passion for helping others, which Hollie has done," said Spinner.
Gonsoulin babysat all three of Kelly Spinner's children before she passed away. Spinner says she hopes this scholarship fund will help Gonsoulin's legacy live on past her days. "She was just a very fun, bright spirit. She loves to do for others, anyone that knew her could tell you that."