The Flanagan family surprised their first scholarship recipient by paying her entire remaining tuition.
CLEVELAND — The family of Davion Flanagan has awarded their first recipient through their newly formed Davion Flanagan Memorial Scholarship.
After his tragic death in a car crash in Strongsville in the summer of 2022, a 501c3 nonprofit was established to honor Davion’s memory. The crash, caused by Mackenzie Shirilla, not only took Davion’s life but also that of another passenger.
“We lost Davion on July 31, 2022 to a car crash,” mother Jamie Flanagan recalled.
The loss has profoundly impacted the Flanagan family, including Davion’s sister, Davyne.
Davyne, still deeply affected by the loss, expressed her initial struggle with coping, but also mentioned her gratitude for the support of her parents. She highlighted the importance of having such caring and amazing people in her life as a source of strength.
Scott Flanagan, Davion’s father, remembered his son fondly.
“He was really an amazing young man who touched the lives of almost anyone he came in contact with.”
Davion had aspirations of attending Allstate Hairstyling & Barber College to become a barber and dreamed of opening his own shop.
Scott, speaking about their motivation to establish the scholarship fund, revealed that they felt compelled to turn the tragic incident into something positive. Despite the senseless tragedy, they decided to create a scholarship fund to make a difference.
It all culminated on Thursday when the Flanagan family arrived at the school to present the award to their first recipient, Melissa Aviles.
“It’s actually a surprise,” Jamie noted.
Aviles believed she was scheduled to help promote the school in a commercial. She did not realize what was actually happening until the family surrounded her to make a declaration in front of her colleagues.
“On behalf of the Davion Flanagan Memorial Fund,” Scott Flanagan declared, “we would like to award you this scholarship to pay your remaining tuition balance in full.”
Aviles expressed her gratitude.
“Well, I’m surprised, that’s for sure!” Aviles said. “Because I got tricked. But I am super stoked. Me and Davion had much in common, actually, because I’m a foster kid. I will honor him every day; when I’m at the shop, when I’m not at the shop.”
The first of more awards to come, Jamie Flanagan knows this cause is just what her son would want her to do.
“He had always called us his second chance, and our goal has been to give others a second chance or help, do something positive.”
The Davion Flanagan Memorial Fund aims to support aspiring barbers and keep Davion’s memory alive through education and opportunity. They are currently accepting donations to the fund, which are tax-deductible and can be made through the nonprofit’s PayPal HERE. The Flanagans can be reached through their GoFundMe page about how to donate tax-deductible. Contributions may also be made through GoFundMe.
