Stahrr Takes Part in Remembrance Week

Bri Stahrr, a senior goalkeeper on the women's lacrosse team, grew up in North Syracuse and graduated from Cicero-North Syracuse High School. She had heard about the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, but, because the event took place nearly 10 years before she was born, hadn't contemplated the enormity of what took place on Dec. 21, 1988. Her perspective has changed since taking part in Remembrance Week Oct. 28-Nov. 3.

"Growing up in this area, I always knew about Pam Am Flight 103," Stahrr said. "However, I didn't know how much it affected Syracuse University."

Stahrr is one of 35 students who are 2018-19 Remembrance Scholars. The scholarships were founded as a tribute to – and means of remembering – the 35 Syracuse students who were killed in the bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland. The students, who were returning from a semester of study in London and Florence, were among the 270 people who perished in the bombing.

The events of Remembrance Week are planned by the Remembrance and Lockerbie Scholars. Stahrr took part in the Candlelight Vigil, "Overcoming the Traumas of Terrorism" panel, the "Race to Remember" 3.5-mile fun run and the annual Rose-Laying Ceremony. The Remembrance Convocation honoring the 2018-19 Remembrance Scholars was held on Nov. 2 at Hendricks Chapel.

Each of the Remembrance Scholars chooses one of the 35 victims to represent throughout the year. Stahrr felt a special connection to one of the victims – Turhan Ergin. Ergin was a walk-on for the Syracuse men's lacrosse team, but had to leave the team due to injury. It was her connection to Ergin and his family that really hit home for Stahrr.

"We learned about the victims and then wrote about who we wanted to represent," Stahrr said. "I picked Turhan because he was a lacrosse player like me. I met his cousin and spoke with his brother. That really personalized it for me."

Remembrance Scholars are chosen in their junior year through a rigorous, competitive process. Applicants write three essays as part of a comprehensive application, and finalists are interviewed by members of the selection committee, composed of University faculty, staff and current Remembrance Scholars. The $5,000 scholarships are awarded on the basis of distinguished academic achievement, citizenship and service to the community.

Syracuse University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Bri Stahrr

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