Hartville, Ohio – The community of Hartville and Lake Township mourned a tragic loss in August of 2023, when Melissa Murphy Dunham and her three children, Renee, Amber, and Evan, lost their lives in a murder-suicide. The devastating event left surviving family members grappling with the aftermath and seeking a way to honor the memory of their loved ones.
In an effort to commemorate the impact of Melissa, Renee, Amber, and Evan’s lives, Melissa’s sister, Valerie Murphy-Daugherty, expressed the family’s desire to establish a scholarship in their honor. The scholarship aims to continue the positive impact the family made on the community, as well as to carry on the values instilled by Melissa in her children.
The Lake Community Hope Scholarship in Memory of Melissa, Renee, Amber, and Evan is being managed through The Stark Community Foundation, with a dedicated focus on supporting the Lake Local Schools – the district that held significance for the entire family. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to graduating seniors from Lake High School who have demonstrated exceptional engagement in extracurricular activities and community service, reflecting the values passed down by Melissa to her children.
The establishment of the scholarship fund is not only a way to honor the memory of the family but also to continue the legacy of their positive contributions to the community. The first scholarship will be awarded to seniors graduating in 2025, with the application process set to begin in December 2024. The fund is open to donations, and those willing to support the cause can contribute through the Stark Community Foundation website.
The initiative to create the scholarship fund in memory of Melissa, Renee, Amber, and Evan serves as a testament to the enduring impact of their lives and the lasting impression they left on the community. The family’s commitment to ensuring that the values and spirit of their loved ones live on through the scholarship is a powerful and meaningful way to honor their memory.