Ashley was a friend and schoolmate of Lauren’s. She wrote this speech during her first
semester of college. It meant a lot to
us to read about Lauren’s strength of character amongst her friends. It also provides inspiration for our other children and other youngsters, to remain true to themselves, and to do what is
right, in spite of peer pressure.
Tribute to a friend
In 2008, at the beginning of my Junior year of high school, I had the pleasure in meeting Lauren Elizabeth Rodney. Little did I know, from that moment on, she would have such an impact on my life with such so little time.
Lauren was a Senior at St. Joseph High School, where I also attended. Throughout our initial conversation, I noticed that she had the most natural smile and such a happy demeanor that seemed to mesmerize everyone around. Besides having mutual friends, we became very close friends. To my knowledge, I do not remember one day passing that Lauren did not make me or anyone else smile and laugh. Her endless positive influence and willingness to help others was a true inspiration for me to do as well. She never cared what anyone thought and that’s what I admired the most about her. Also, Lauren’s personality, morals, and values were never compromised by anyone else’s. Peer pressure did not exist in “Lauren’s world.”
Lauren was very active in high school. She was a member of Beta, 4-H, a cheerleader, Senior class officer, and was nominated for homecoming court. Another aspect that stood out with her personality was that she was extremely family oriented. She has a younger brother, T.J. and a younger sister, London, who practically “worshipped the ground she walked on.” After several visits to Lauren’s home I noticed that her sister had the same sense of humor and considered Lauren her role model.
Another fond memory I have with Lauren was on February 20, 2009, the day school dismissed for Mardi Gras holidays. A local elementary school held a parade for our school to enjoy. Like always, Lauren was the biggest participant with the children in the parade and of course insisted on having all the “big pretty beads.” By the end of the parade, her neck was consumed with beads that looked like some sort of turtleneck sweater with a big smile. That same night I had a softball game and received a text message from Lauren inquiring about my plans for the evening. After the game, I returned her message and we talked for about 20 minutes. The last words I ever said to her were “be careful tonight. I love you L Rod!” Her response back was “okay love you too A CNO!” At about midnight that same night my best friend Natalie called me to inform me that Lauren was in a terrible automobile accident and was killed. At first I was in complete shock as well as devastated. Even until this day words cannot describe my initial feeling. Attending her funeral service was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. For the rest of the school year, all school functions and activities were dedicated in remembrance of Lauren.
Just recently, I have realized that Lauren was an asset in my life as well as a “God” given inspiration. Her death had made a huge impact on my life. It reminds me to always be happy and optimistic, no matter what the situation or with whom. It doesn’t matter what others think because God’s the final judge. Also, I learned that smiling is contagious and has more effect on people than anyone may realize.
Finally, each one of us has been or will be role models for someone else. It is something that majority of people do not do intentionally, but it happens. So I advise keep smiling, be happy, and optimistic and love God first. This is what Lauren Rodney instilled upon me and so in turn I am attempting to do the same so that I may be a positive role model for my baby sister. I wish everyone here would have known Lauren Elizabeth Rodney because you would have loved her the same way I have.
Ashley Scionneaux (CNO)
9/28/10