Classmates give first check for Aleah Sutterby Scholarship -- on her birthday

Loretta George/Tribune photo Rachel Sutterby, center, receives a check from Uniontown FFA to start an Aleah Sutterby Memorial Math Scholarship at Uniontown High School. From left: Jonah Ericson, Torrie Hathaway, Chase Gleason, Sutterby, Math Teacher Alan Shinn, Hannah Fry, John Kuns, Sarah Townsend, Rachel DeMoss and FFA Sponsor Kevin Gleason.

On Wednesday, Oct. 9, Aleah Sutterby would have been 17 years old. In July, before she was able to begin her junior year at Uniontown High School, an automobile accident took her life.

Aleah Sutterby, who was an active member of the Uniontown FFA and was to begin the school year as the club reporter, is remembered by her classmates and club members who have been raising money for a scholarship in her memory.

On Wednesday, Uniontown FFA members presented Rachel Payne Sutterby, Aleah's mother, with a $4,486.80 check to start the Aleah Sutterby Memorial Math Scholarship.

"Our community and FFA chapter were greatly saddened by the loss of Aleah and we hope to honor her by helping to create this scholarship in her memory," Hannah Fry, Uniontown FFA vice president and Aleah Sutterby's close friend, said.

The check was accepted by Alan Shinn, math instructor at UHS and her mother, Rachel.

Rachel and Mark Sutterby will determine who receives the scholarship each year from the school.

"She was proud of wearing the FFA chapter jacket," Rachel Sutterby said to the FFA officers during the presentation.

Besides FFA, Aleah Sutterby was also a member of the Scholarship Bowl, Math Club and Spanish Club.

The chapter raised $2,296.80 at the Old Settler's Picnic on Labor Day with its barbeque lunch. Food stand customers gave free-will donations. Additionally, $2,190 was raised through raffle tickets for prizes.

"People just gave and gave," Kevin Gleason, FFA sponsor, said.

Perry Townsend, Frank Scott, Ellaine Ericson and Tom Wildish were the winners of the raffle prizes. They had a choice of $150 cash, $150 worth of paneling and gates, a picnic table or a yard swing.

The high salespeople for the raffle were Sarah Townsend, first place; Kaylyn Crystal, second place; Kyle Schnichels, third place; Hannah Fry, fourth place; and Rachel Demoss, fifth place.

There will be another fundraiser for the Aleah Sutterby Memorial Math Scholarship at the Friday night football game in Uniontown.

Hot dogs, chips and a soft drink are being provided by Shepherd Team Auto Plaza, with all the proceeds going to the scholarship.

Also to celebrate Aleah Sutterby's birthday on Wednesday, high school students wore purple -- her favorite color.