Rebecca Sarah Rogers was a compassionate 4th grader who loved others with all of her heart. She was a “social butterfly, and it was impossible to not fall in love with her,” said her older sister, Roxanne. “She brightened the day of every person she came in contact with, by being thoughtful and concerned for their well being.”
She was a dedicated student, and although she worked hard for her grades, Rebecca had already chosen teaching as her personal career goal. She loved to dance, especially ballet, and was an avid reader.
On October 28, 2006, Rebecca died unexpectedly at home, at the tender age of 10. The little girl whose heart was so large for the ones she loved had her own heart simply give out on her. Her family and school friends were devastated, and chose to remember her by creating the Rebecca Sarah Rogers Scholarship Fund to benefit graduating seniors from Washington High School who plan to pursue a teaching degree.
And to honor Rebecca’s love of reading, the Washington Park Elementary School 4th grade started a “Read for Rebecca” program. Students were so motivated that they increased their reading scores by 150 percent.
“There is a break in our hearts that will only be healed when we are together again,” her father said.