Sara Bland

Sara Elizabeth Bland, 15, and a bright light in hundreds of lives, passed away Wednesday, May 21 from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Sara was born October 17, 1987 in Waco. Bright from birth, Sara started preschool at age 3 and achieved many scholastic awards and milestones throughout her life. Sara was a sophomore at Lorena High School, where she was in the top 10% of her class.

She excelled in world history and spoke German with a beautiful accent. She was also a member of numerous award-winning chapters, teams, and committees at school.

During the summer of 2002, Sara was awarded a scholarship to attend a summer program at the prestigious 225-year-old Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. In addition to receiving special honors through academic achievements, Sara gave unselfishly of herself by volunteering with her church youth group, assisting the elderly at nursing homes, helping a neighbor in need with refurbishing her home, and assisting at this year's Special Olympics for athletes with disabilities.

Sara is survived by her parents, Randy Bland of China Spring, and Dorothy Dolezel Bland of Lorena. She is also survived by her grandparents Charlie and Alma Ruth Dolezel of Mooreville; aunts Doris Harris and Dorothy Hall of Waco, Darlene Wall and her husband Dr. James Wall of Houston, and uncle Robert Bland of Florida; aunt Elsie Beseda and her husband Henry of Eddy, and uncle Robert Dolezel and his wife Yvonne of Heidenhammer;great aunt, Lentsy Doran of Waco; in addition to numerous family members and special friends who loved her dearly. Sara was preceded in death by her grandparents James C. Bland and Lillian Wood Bland.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 23 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Boulevard in Waco. A memorial videotape of her life especially prepared by OakCrest Funeral Home will be shown during the visitation.

A celebration of Sara's life will be held Saturday,
May 24 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Lorena, with burial to follow at Waco Memorial Park.

A special memorial scholarship fund is being established in Sara's name for those who wish to contribute and continue her legacy of academic excellence. All contributions may be sent to Lorena High School at P.O. Box 99 Lorena, TX 76655.