A memorial scholarship has been established in the name of Kimberly Young, a Mars Area mother who died last year in a car crash.

The Kimberly Young Memorial Scholarship, awarded through the Mars Planet Foundation, is a $1,000 scholarship that will be awarded to a female Mars Area graduate who will be attending a four-year institution to major in special or general education.

The scholarship is being spearheaded by Mars Area School Board member Megan Lenz and Kimberly's husband, Justin.

“Kimberly was the wife and mother we all strive to be,” Lenz, a close friend of Kimberly's, said. “Her smile was contagious, and she was always smiling.”

Kimberly was a staunch supporter of the Mars community, according to Justin. This included her time teaching pre-K at Precious People Child Care, helping at Woodland Valley Church and volunteering at Mars Area Elementary School.

“She was so proud and happy to be a teacher and give back,” Justin said.

The scholarship is funded by Justin and Kimberly's friends in the Mars community.

One of the unique things about it is it doesn't have a GPA requirement.

Kimberly didn't believe grades made the student, according to Justin.

Although getting good grades is always encouraged, Justin said both he and Kimberly believe what's important is doing your best work and learning from mistakes.

“That's what we want her spirit to live on as,” Justin said. “Her love for life. Her love for others.”

Kimberly's spark of life is evident in their children, according to Justin. He said their daughters, Madison and Kendall, show the same appreciation for it that Kimberly did.

Justin hopes the scholarship attracts students who have a similar eagerness. The ideal applicant shows a willingness to do good with her life, particularly in the area of education. “It's someone that's just trying to make the best out of themselves,” Justin said.

Lenz said people often hear about the “dash” of a person's life, the time between the dates of a person's birth and death.

Kimberly's dash, according to Lenz, was full of hope and positivity.

“I truly hope this scholarship helps more people to hear about Kimberly's dash,” Lenz said.

Applications for the 2021 scholarship must be received by the Mars Area School District High School Guidance Office by April 2.

Information about the Kimberly Young Memorial Scholarship is available on the foundation website, marsplanetfoundation.org.

Donations can also be made on the site using the foundation's donation portal and typing “for Kimberly Young Memorial Scholarship” in the memo box.

“Kimberly was filled with joy, happiness, good(ness) and love,” Justin said. “This is just one little piece of her beautiful legacy.”