Four receive scholarship in the memory of Laurie Z.

Four Stanwood, Washington Middle School girls have each received $500 for an instrument or music lessons from the Laurie Z. Scholarship Fund. This is the first time a scholarship for middle school students has been offered in the area. End Quote

Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA (1888PressRelease) January 14, 2009 - Four Stanwood, Washington Middle School girls have each received $500 for an instrument or music lessons from the Laurie Z. Scholarship Fund.

This is the first time a scholarship for middle school students has been offered in the area, said Theresa Metzger, executive director of the Stanwood Camano Area Foundation. The scholarship is meant to help girls further their music education. In the application, the students had to explain why they deserved the scholarship and how music made a difference in their lives, Metzger said. "It was really hard making the decision," she said. Metzger said the scholarship helps the girls realize that adults in the community want to support them.

Laurie Zeluck Carter, known to her fans as Laurie Z.® (BMI), was an Independent musician who received a total of 15 Grammy nomination considerations. Laurie, a non-smoker, died Feb. 9, 2006 from lung cancer.

A native of Santa Barbara, Laurie and husband Michael Carter moved to Camano Island, Washington soon after they were married. Laurie made sure her estate would benefit the Stanwood community, said Michael Handley, executor. As a professional musician, Laurie Z. had an affinity for children, he said. Laurie Z. used to play the piano at Nordstrom in Alderwood Mall during the Christmas season. While she played, young girls would come up to her, and she would talk to them and give them encouragement, Handley said. He remembers hearing the girls tell Laurie Z. that they wanted to be just like her. "This is Laurie's desire to leave something to the local community.” he said. In addition to the scholarships, the Stanwood Camano Food Bank and Freedom Park at Terry's Corner have also received donations.

The others who applied for scholarships won't be empty-handed. Each will soon receive Laurie Z.'s music and mementos. Handley said he hopes to continue the scholarship with the public's help. "Laurie Z. was an absolutely fabulous musician, community supporter and friend to many,” Metzger said.

The Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation is honored to administer this scholarship on behalf of Laurie's family and friends. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to the Foundation at PO Box 1209, Stanwood, WA 98292. Checks may be made payable to "SCAF" with "Laurie Z" in the memo line.

For more information contact Janet Cucinotti. 831-462-1964. pr ( @ ) lauriez dot com

Excerpts from article by Staff Reporter Kristi Pihl Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Used with permission from STANWOOD/CAMANO NEWS

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