Please feel free to add your comments, memories or thoughts about Katelyn, the website or the scholarship fund. We appreciate that you have visited the website and hope that you may find solace in reflecting, as well as consider the impact the Katelyn Joy Derstine Scholarship Fund, Inc. has had and will have for many young aspiring high school ladies in the Sarasota community.
Sep 21, 2011
Sep 20, 2011
Dear Papillon 2011-2012:
Welcome and on behalf of the Katelyn Joy Derstine Scholarship Fund, Inc. , we wish each and every one of you success during your tenure at Riverview High School.
Papillon was created to keep Katelyn's spirit alive and encourage each of you to become actively involved in the various clubs that Katelyn so enjoyed during her four years at Riverview.
We all look forward to the impact you will make on our community and beyond.
Fly High
Jul 01, 2011
Fly High sweet Katelyn, I think of you 24/7 and your spirit lives on through the so many. Your brilliant, beautiful smile and soul shines on.
My heart aches for you daily.
Exodus 23:20
Love,
Mom
Jun 14, 2011
I miss you so much Kate. I can't believe its been 5 years because it feels like just yesterday when we would stay up all night making prank calls and having girl talk in Turtle Rock, and even less time ago laughing and talking about life in your room in our apartment in Gainesville.
As much as I feel blessed to have you always with me watching over me, I would truly give anything to have you here next to me. I try to think of the positives and how strong I've become after enduring your loss, but there are times (like now) when I just let go and miss you too much.
I will always treasure our memories and know that we have something unique in that our childhood friendship since 6th grade blossomed through into college. Your guidance, support, and advice stays with me always. When I feel like giving up, I will always remember to Fly High.
May 08, 2011
Hi Bambi,
Just took a little time learning about your beloved KJD, in turn this helps me learn a little about you. I knew when I met you, that you were a strong woman. Now I am seeing more of your deep, underlying strength. I don't know how one turns grief into something tangible, but you have managed to do so. Your scholarship fund and Casa de Mariposa keep Katelyn alive for you and in turn help other young women make their dream of higher education a reality. What a wonderful soul you have Bambi Famous Kaine -Fly High Girl!!!!
Love,
Renee Maietta
Apr 05, 2011
Happy Birthday Sweet Angel Katelyn!
Brooke is honoring you today with a tattoo to celebrate you and her love for you!
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS
YOU WILL BE LOVED FOREVER - NEVER FORGOTTEN
FLY HIGH SWEET GIRL
xoxoxoxoxo
Jun 15, 2010
NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN
ALWAYS TO BE LOVED
Fly High sweet, precious beautiful Katelyn!
Love you forever,
Uncle Brandon, Aunt Kim and your cousins XOXOXO
Jun 14, 2010
Every year, June 15 sneaks up on me. Every year, it hits just as hard. Thinking you today, Bambi, and sending lots of love your way. Kate is always with me, wherever I go. I think a little bit of her spirit lives on inside all of us. Fly High.
Love you Kate, and miss I miss you with all my heart...always and forever
Britt
Mar 03, 2010
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Fly High my angel.
Aug 24, 2009
I know this message is a few years too late, but I wanted to extend my condolences on the loss of your daughter Katelyn. She was a wonderful young woman and a role model to anyone who knew her. She was popular but poised. She never boasted. She accepted everyone into her circle which made her a kind and caring human being. She was the jewel in your eye and a very well respected young woman around the community. I wish she could see the brand new Riverview High School, which will always carry out her name in lights. She was that school. From Mr. Holt's orchestra class to the Kiltie Band, I never saw a girl with so much school spirit. I loved your daughter. I loved the way she always brought a smile to everyone's face. Please forgive me for not sending my condolences at your home for I was finishing up my degree in Miami. I hope all is well and I wish you all the best of luck in the future.
Aug 04, 2009
K8rG8r:
We spent the week in the Keys and thought of the gr8 times you had with Perona's and Cody lobstering, etc! The Key West Butterfly Conservatory was enchanting, mesmerizing and filled with your spirit. Dane, Kolby, Jeff and I had morpho butterflies, Monarchs land on us and we all were filled with sadness, joy and your love.
Fly High Angel Katelyn
Jul 14, 2009
I saw a butterfly image in my bone scan today, I knew you were with me in spirit and watching over me!
Fly High my angel
Love
mom
Jul 14, 2009
To our donors: 2006-2009
Thank you for your continued support, as we have already awarded 27 incredible young ladies with over $36,000 in "Fly High" award scholarships!
We look forward to future fundraisers !
Sincerely,
Fly High Award board member
Jul 14, 2009
Congratulations to all of the 2009 Fly High Award applicants and #11 winners. $15,000 was distributed this year in scholarships!
Have a great summer & Fly High!
2009
Fly High Award Committee & Board Members
May 09, 2009
Dear Bambi and family,
I just wanted to say what an honor it has been to have been chosen as a recipient of this powerful and inspiring scholarship. You all are role models for everyone, and I am so humbled to have become part of your family through this experience and share the love of Katelyn.
Sincerely,
Lara Funk
Bambi,
How wonderful your scholarship fund celebrating Katelyn's life.
I am enormously moved by Katelyn's legacy, and your mission to have other children "fly high" just as Katelyn soared during her too-short life. Those pictures are beautiful.
Now I understand "Mariposa".
Look forward to meeting you -hopefully soon.
Very Best,
Barbara Zenker