Lauren's Ladder, Inc. was created so that Lauren's love and light can live on. The not-for-profit organization was established in July 2013 by friends of Lauren's parents, Lori and Keith Cecil.
Lauren's Ladder supports organizations and activities that contribute to the educational, emotional, physical, social and spiritual growth of children. Like the rungs on a ladder, each of these components is necessary for children to grow and thrive as healthy adults. Lauren's Ladder awards grants to community organizations to support activities that align with this mission.
Special thanks to Drake Cecil for the Lauren's Ladder logo design.
Lauren Cecil Memorial Scholarship
Each year Lauren’s Ladder will award a college scholarship of up to $1,000 to a Central Davidson High School graduating senior who has demonstrated a passion for competitive swimming, displays outstanding character and involvement in the community, and is dedicated to pursuing higher education. The recipient will be selected by the family of Lauren Cecil and approved by the Lauren’s Ladder Board of Directors. Recipients will be invited to participate in Lauren’s Ladder activities and encouraged to share his/her story with the Lauren’s Ladder community.
Recipients
2014- Caroline Burkhart (Appalachian State University)
2015- Lucas Rhodes (West Virginia University)
2016- Elizabeth Dicus (Wake Forest University)
2017- Kacie Beck (Appalachian State University)
2018- Aidan Walser (University of North Carolina at Charlotte)
2019- Maggie Grondy (Western Carolina)
2020- Frances Gray Riggs (Wake Forest), Adriana Keene (NC State), Carley Hanes (DCCC), Hailey Everhart (DCCC), Hatley Allred (Western Carolina)
2021- Madelyn Bowers (UNC Chapel Hill)
2022- Brady Coltrane (Wake Forest) and Caden Leonard (UNC Chapel Hill)
2023- Myers McCulloch (NC State)