On July 1, 2019, Beavercreek Community Library celebrated our 60th anniversary. As part of our celebration, over 200 people helped us create a beautiful community art project.
Our garden-themed art project adorns a large window in the children’s area, and is now a permanent part of the library. It was designed by artist Leesa Haapapuro and incorporates photos of the eight Girl Scouts who were killed in a terrible train crash 60 years ago.
Patrons were given transparent hexagon pieces and asked to decorate them in any way that would look good in a garden. Every piece of the art project is transparent, so light can shine through to illuminate beauty and offer hope. It memorializes the Girl Scouts who died after working on their reading badges at the Xenia Community Library. It reminds us that out of horrible darkness, communities can work together to heal and help one another.
The tragic crash happened near Beavercreek Community Park on Factory Road, where Angels Pass Memorial now stands. The victims of the crash were Sharon White, Paulnetta Randall, Anne North, Patricia Lipinski, Cynthia Moorman, Anna Wilvert, Linda Ward, Connie LaPrise, and Scout Leaders Jeannette Randall and Lucille White.
A memorial scholarship fund was established in 2009 and is administered by the Greene County Foundation. A current or former Girl Scout graduating from Beavercreek High School is offered the scholarship every year.
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