"Carlos Aragon & Nigel Olsen Enduring Freedom memorial Scholarship"

"THKS CC": The first scholarship named for two 4th LAR Marines to honor their memory has been awarded to Miriam Cruz:

4th LAR Carlos Aragon and Nigel Olsen website for Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Daily Herald:

"Miriam Cruz [center], a student at Mountain View High School whose heritage spans Central America and the Middle East, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship for an essay written about what patriotism means to her. In her essay she wrote, "To live here in this country and have the rights and freedom to be educated and live with a sense of peace is the biggest blessing for me." On Monday, Cruz accepted the "Carlos Aragon & Nigel Olsen Enduring Freedom memorial Scholarship" from the families of the two fallen soldiers.

Nigel Olsen and Carlos Aragon graduated from Mountain View High School just one year apart and were killed in Afghanistan in March 2010, just days apart.

"As Nigel and Carlos' parents, our heart's greatest desire is that our sons not be forgotten and that their sacrifice be remembered," Kim Olsen said in her speech.

Olsen called Cruz's essay moving, and Cruz was equally touched when she learned that she was the first recipient.

"I understand what it means to lose a relative," Cruz said. "I'm so grateful for their sons who fought for our freedom."

The Olsens raised $500 and it was matched by the Alpine Foundation. On May 31st the Olsen family will host a fundraiser for the continuation of the scholarship at Orem City Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a barbecue and live entertainment."