Bailey Simons was remarkable for her magnetic, outgoing personality and her willingness to put other people’s needs ahead of her own. She was a junior at Rootstown High School, and a member of the Rovers cheerleading team. Bailey enjoyed gymnastics from the time she was a little girl. She became a coach for Top Floor Gymnastics & Dance Center in Ravenna, where her students called her “Miss Bailey”.
She was a talented young lady who left an impression on many hearts through her enthusiasm, uplifting spirit, bright blue eyes and beautiful smile. A close friend commented, “She just knew how to bring out a smile in everybody. That’s what she was best at.”
Bailey was killed at the age of 17 in a car accident on a snow-covered road on February 14, 2015. Her tragic death rocked the community, brought people to tears and brought them together at vigils, services, basketball games and gymnastics events where crowds honored her by wearing purple, Bailey’s favorite.
Her memory and spirit live on in the lives of all those who knew and loved her, as well as those who learn about her legacy. Her school involvement and volunteerism both in school and in the community will continue to be an inspiration to all. Bailey will continue to inspire and lead students for many years to come, thanks to a scholarship that her family has established in her memory.
Criteria
To be considered for the Bailey Simons/Frank Family Memorial Scholarship, the application must meet the following criteria:
- Be a graduating senior from Rootstown High School.
- Plan to enroll at a university, college, technical, or trade school following graduation to receive the scholarship award. This includes, but is not limited to, instructional programs (such as cosmetology, paramedics, electronics and so on).
- Grade point average, while an indicator, will not be the sole criteria for evaluation. The scholarship recipient will be selected on the merit of their written essay.
- Submit an essay (not to exceed 500 words) describing how they demonstrate any or all of the following characteristics in their life: leadership, strength, compassion, mentoring, community involvement, and volunteerism. The applicant should also answer the question, “Why should we choose you for this scholarship?”