Executive News Editor
Ford Savela’s legacy shines brightly through astrophysics teacher Rebecca Ford’s dedication and the Ford W. Savela Legacy of Kindness Scholarship.
Ford purchased a star in memory of the late senior Savela, a symbol of his impact on campus and the community. She came up with the idea after speaking with Savela’s parents at his memorial, where they shared how a trip to Joshua Tree sparked his love for astronomy.
“I hope the star in the sky provides a way for people to remember [Ford Savela] in a touching way,” Ford said. “It also is a way to show his family that people care about him.”
To honor something close to Savela’s heart, Ford chose to name a star after him. The star, located in the Libra constellation, Savela’s zodiac sign, is best viewed during the summer. It comes with celestial coordinates, allowing anyone with a compatible telescope to find it and remember Savela through the night sky.
“I helped collect money from fellow peers to buy the star,” senior Sloane Gasperov said. “It was touching that Ms. Ford wanted to do this, and so many of her students helped.”
To preserve Savela’s academic legacy, Costa parent Jhoanna Torres organized a GoFundMe on behalf of his mother, Ashley Savela, to create the Ford W. Savela Legacy of Kindness Scholarship. The fundraiser has surpassed its $25,000 goal, now reaching $36,540.
The GoFundMe states, “The [scholarship] honors Ford’s memory and his love for family and friends by supporting students who embody his core values of kindness, empathy, high character, and community involvement.” To donate, visit [https://shorturl.at/l4onT](https://shorturl.at/l4onT).
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