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Your generous donation will support the Alyssa Katherine Mason Memorial Scholarship at Pikes Peak State College.
Alyssa Katherine Mason was a loving and free-spirited woman who enjoyed each day as if it were her last, spending time with her family and doing what she loved. Tragically, at the young age of 26, she died as the result of an automobile crash. Alyssa was an outstanding person, with a zeal for life and an undeniable love for others. She also loved animals so much, perhaps because they are capable of bravery, selflessness, love and loyalty just like her. In her brief walk on this earth, she met and influenced so many people around her.
Lynn Liggett, Alyssa’s mother, shared "Alyssa had an incredible number of friends, many that have reached out to us saying she literally saved their lives. She was a recovering addict who wanted to help others get out of that life and in many instances she did help change their paths for the better. She herself was enrolled in the culinary arts program at PPSC and on her way to a new life, all the while still encouraging others.”
Alyssa’s father, Karl, went on to say “Alyssa had a zest for the artistic aspects of life. She relished in hard work that was a service to others. Initially, Alyssa worked in restaurants but on the non-food side of the business. I think she saw culinary arts as a way to move into the creative side of food service leveraging her natural talents.”
The scholarship fund was set in motion by her honorary Aunt, Kathie Durante. “Alyssa was my namesake and we wanted a way for her culinary dreams to be fulfilled through others in the years to come. She had the most amazing smile that lit up any room, piercing green eyes and was a joy to behold.” shared Kathie. Karl Mason added “It is our family's hope that folks who need a chance to change the trajectory of their lives will benefit from a scholarship geared toward those culinary aspirations.”
Alyssa witnessed first-hand the challenges that addiction and recovery can present. Her gift was to be an instrument of change and guide others with their life choices. Alyssa embraced every accomplishment starts with a decision to try. With this in mind, this is a Culinary Arts Scholarship for recovering addicts, who have committed to a life without drugs. The funds are for tuition or education based fees at PPCC.
We thought of you with love today, But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday, And days before that too.
We think of you in silence. We often speak your name.
All we have now are memories, And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake, With which we will never part.
God has you in His keeping,
We have you in our hearts.
If love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place,
No one else can ever fill.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone,
For a part of us went with you,
The day God took you home.
—Author unknown
