My name is Sara Gorin, and I am Andrew Roth’s Mom.  When Andrew suddenly died in 2005, we were able to establish the Andrew Cameron Roth Memorial Scholarship to honor his memory.  Since Andrew’s passion was cross country running, this award is presented to the most accomplished graduating runner who is college bound.  This scholarship not only helps out the recipient, but also brings comfort to those who miss Andrew.  Contributions to this fund are from private donations, as well as local businesses.

I am sure that you have heard how quickly time passes the older you get.  Although I graduated from BU in 1981, it seems like it has only been about 10 years.  At your age, it probably feels like it has been an eternity to get to the level of cap and gown, as it once did for me. Our lives may end at any time, so I encourage you to enjoy the gift of life, share your love and talents with your friends, and hold on to precious memories as closely as you can.  I challenge you to keep your friends close to your heart, and stay in touch as much as possible.  It is rare to find someone who has a life-long friend, but to those who have one, it is one of the most incredible gifts that life has to offer. 

When I asked my 6-year-old daughter, Jessie, what I should talk to you about tonight, she wisely replied, “Tell them to make the most of their life.”  Even though Andrew was only 19 when he died, he had lived a very full life, with so may beautiful memories, intertwined with growing pains that come from life’s lessons.  It occurs to me that every photo, movie, note, doodle, even writing assignment means so very much to me, and brings him closer to me, his family and friends. One of my most valued possessions is a picture of Andrew with his arm around me at his graduation party. 

We never know when our time on this earth is going to be over, so I encourage you to leave behind a legacy of your life.  This will be one of the most precious gifts that you can give your family and friends.  Your generation possesses incredible tools to make this easy for you.  Wouldn’t it be incredible to pull up your great-grandfather’s Facebook and see what he had on his mind?  Most of you have a cell phone that not only keeps you in touch with your friends, but can snap photos, documenting those precious memories of your everyday life.  You instant message, email, twitter, YouTube – this is a fantastic age of innovation.  Oh, let’s not forget the scrapbooking fanatics, a good old-fashioned, hands-on hobby that has really skyrocketed in popularity during the last few years. 

In conclusion, time is short.  Make memories, capture them, and share your life with those around you.  This will help you make the most of your life, guaranteed, and someday when you are gone your presence will still be felt and treasured as it should be.

 Stop by Andrew’s memorial website at rememberandrew.com in a few days.  You will find a new page dedicated to this year’s award winner.  This brings me to a student who has excelled as a cross-country runner, hoping to continue his education in a sports-related field.  Without any further adieu, the recipient of the 2010 Andrew Cameron Roth Memorial Scholarship for $450 is Justin Miller. 

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