We just got news that Alana Melanie Williams ’07 was in a fatal car accident this past Sunday. AOA Faculty Member Amy Hauenstein wrote this letter to faculty and staff. We wanted to also share this letter with the alums:
Hello fellow faculty and staff,
I know the season is upon us where those in need seem to be all around us and our budgets seem to be stretched to the limits. I, too, have a request.
One of AOA’s alum’s, Alana Melanie Williams (’07) was in a fatal car accident this past Sunday. Her friends and family are pulling together and everyone is working through this inexplicable tragedy. While she was a student here, Melanie was inseparable with two of her classmates—Sophia Brown and Leia Bradford. Next to Melanie’s immediate family, Sophia, a sophomore at OSU, and Leia, a sophomore at Florida A&M are by far the most affected by her death. Sophia is home and staying with Mel’s mom in Euclid and Leia is trying everything in her power to get home.
Leia’s plane ticket from Tallahassee will range from $800-850 and on a very limited budget, she may not be able to make it home; Leia was not coming home for Thanksgiving Break and the suddenness has left her no option of saving for the trip. Last year’s senior class is working to raise money to “Get Leia Home” and as her former basketball coach they have asked if I would help them with the efforts by asking for donations from the faculty. From the personal experience of having been on the road playing softball in college and not being able to get home, not attending a dear friend’s funeral is something you never get over. So far, I have been very touched by the AOA family and how alum from all over the country are pulling together in this time of need—this really is an exceptional community and I know we can make this happen.
In my mailbox in the faculty room by the dining hall, is an envelope for any donation you can afford. Nothing is too small. Together with the Class of ‘08’s efforts we may be able to “get Leia home.” She needs to be with her friends and family right now and they need her here as well—this will mean more to Melanie’s family and friends than flowers or any other gesture. In the event our efforts fall short, an AOA scholarship fund is being set up in Melanie’s name and the donations will be applied to that. If you write a check, please make it out to AOA and on the memo line write Melanie Williams.
We still have no details as to when or where the funeral will take place. I will pass along any information I get as soon as I know.
Thanks for your help and prayers,
Amy
Amy Hauenstein
History Department & Athletics Coach
Andrews Osborne Academy
38588 Mentor Avenue
Willoughby, OH 44094
PH: 440-942-3600 EXT 319
FAX: 440-942-3660
