Generous Hearts

TURNING TRAGEDY INTO A LEGACY

WRITTEN BY: SUSAN BONNETT BOURGEOIS

It’s a parent’s worst nightmare.

Like countless other college students in South Louisiana, Avery Natal was driving back to LSU after coming home for a long weekend, and in an instant, her life was taken away. Her family’s life was forever changed. However, in the most bittersweet way, the pain of losing their selfless, hard-working and precious daughter empowered Avery’s parents to carry on her legacy.

Though the story of losing Avery Natal is heartbreaking, the way her parents are continuing to leave her mark in her community is undeniably inspirational. Avery’s parents, Mike and Monique Natal, approached the Northshore Community Foundation with the singular goal of creating a scholarship to continue their daughter’s passion by supporting others. Their heartache inspired them to invest in the success of the next generation.

The partnership with Avery’s parents was a perfect match. The Natals and the Foundation share a passion for furthering education through financial stability and opportunity. That kind of relationship is exactly what’s behind several Foundation scholarships that support myriad students and subjects. The diversity of scholarship offerings is born from the passion of the people like the Natals who create these awards themselves.

Since opening 16 years ago, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 million, nearly $610,000 in 2022 alone. Find a list of all of the scholarships offered by the Foundation and the 2022 award recipients at northshorefoundation.org/scholarships.

Nothing can bring Avery back, but the foundation can help her parents keep her memory alive by helping deserving students make their educational dreams and aspirations a reality. Paying tribute to their beloved daughter by touching hopeful students and honoring future generations is their way of carrying her name along with a legacy to prioritize learning.

Northshore Community Foundation Scholarships

Pat Brister Leadership Scholarship

Provides a St. Tammany Parish woman with $2,500 to engage in transformational training for personal and/or professional development to better enable them to impact their world.

Pat Brister Legacy Scholarship

Awarded to a female graduating senior of a St. Tammany Parish Public high school who has demonstrated a record of high academic achievement and outstanding service to the surrounding community.

Amanda Shaw Foundation Orchestrating Dreams Scholarship

Assists school-aged children to facilitate or offset the cost associated with developmental and/or educational programs and creative events.

Bogalusa Scholarship

Awards scholarships to Bogalusa High School students who want to pursue higher education.

South Slidell Swimming Scholarship Fund

Provides scholarships to high school senior(s) who participated in either the Salmen High Swim Team or the St. Tammany Swim League applying to any accredited two- and/or four-year college or university.

Notes for Education Northshore Scholarship

Created to provide scholarships to students attending public college/university to support their academic and social development through music education and the performing arts.

Donna Kahl Manetta Scholarship Fund

Established in 2019 by former students of Slidell High School to honor the legacy Mrs. Manetta created during 35 years of exemplary teaching.

Summers Legacy Foundation Scholarship Fund

Awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors residing in St. Tammany Parish enrolled in an out-of-state university.

St. Tammany Cancer Fund Scholarship

Awards college scholarships to St. Tammany Parish youth who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Greg Zelden Scholarship

Established in memory of Greg Zelden to honor his life, create a legacy and to support students seeking a career in allied health and/or sports medicine.

Tulane Legislative Scholarships (3)

Administered by the Foundation, these are merit-based scholarships, with additional consideration for demonstration of leadership, community service, extra-curricular activities and financial need.

Avery Natal Scholarship

Offers five graduating seniors seeking a degree in the humanities fields from Northshore High School, Pearl River High School, Salmen High School, Slidell High School and Pope John Paul II High School attending in-state universities.