Last weekend, I found out that Lauren passed away at the beginning of January. It is devastating news. She and I were best buddies at Roanoke Academy of Gymnastics for about 10 years. We stuck with it together...she was always encouraging, fun-loving...a great person to be around. I am so thankful for her God-honoring life and that I could know her.

BURNS, Lauren Elizabeth


Lauren Elizabeth Burns, 22, of Salem, born on February 26, 1983 in Schenectady, N.Y., and a graduate student at Teton Science Schools in Jackson Hole, Wyo., died Sunday from head injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Saturday evening, January 7, 2006. April Landale, Director of Teton Science Schools'''' Kelly Campus, offered these thoughts: "Lauren''''s kind-hearted and caring nature as a teacher and a friend will be irreplaceable. Her students loved her. The entire Teton Science Schools community is devastated by the loss of Lauren." So, too, Lauren''''s many friends and colleagues. From her early interest in veterinary medicine to her position as Drum Major with the Salem High School marching band, Lauren was admired for her level-headed nature and her natural leadership abilities. Her schedule during high school was full, her interests varied. From the band to the volleyball and track teams, as well as her work as an animal caretaker at Salem Animal Hospital, Lauren''''s insatiable appetite for action was tempered only by her concern for each participant. Lauren attended The College of William and Mary, where her passion for horses led to her being named president of the Equestrian Team. While pursuing her Bachelors of Science in Biology and Environmental Science, her interests turned to public education on environmental issues. Lauren worked extensively in the Department of Biology, researching the viability of training birds via video programming in order to re-release them to the wild. Following graduation in May, 2005, Lauren moved to Jackson Hole last August to take part in Teton Science Schools'''' one-year, graduate-level teaching practicum and academic program in environmental education and the natural sciences. She was keenly aware of the need for effective communication with the public on the issues and needs of birds, particularly raptors. Following her year in
Jackson Hole, Lauren looked forward to completing her Master''''s degree at the University of Idaho. With an avid interest in wildlife and a particular love of birds, Lauren was at home in Jackson Hole. Her work at Teton Science Schools focused on her other passion, public education on natural history. Polly Cooper, Lauren''''s faculty coach, remembers Lauren "~as the most positive person on campus. She was so sincere in her efforts as a teacher, always thinking about how best to share her experiences and love for natural history." On a more intimate note, said Cooper, "Lauren loved to laugh and dance. Her presence will be missed." Lauren spent time last fall working with Grand Teton National Park staff and park visitors as part of her teaching practicum. From leading map talks and geology hikes, to staging an exhibit at the Maude Nobel Cabin at Menor''''s Ferry, Lauren thrived in any teaching situation. Faced with a challenge, Lauren was never afraid to step up and do her best. Lauren is survived by her parents, Thomas and Nancy Burns of Salem; her 19 year-old brother, Timmy, who attends the University of Virginia; her grandparents, Elton and Norma Burns of Schenectady, New York, and Theresa Kelly of Glastonbury, Conn.; aunts, uncles and cousins, including Clayton Burns and Cindi Anthony and their children Rochelle, Dan and Tom Burns, and Rick, Kristyn and Kara Anthony; Jim Kelly and Ceil Phillips and their children Ryan and Rosalind; Paul and Sharon Hesler and their children Greg, Steve and Molly; and countless other friends and relatives too numerous to mention by name. Lauren was loved by all. The family will receive friends on Friday evening, January 13, 2006 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem. An ecumenical celebration of Lauren''''s life will take place on Saturday, January 14, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at Salem Presbyterian Church at East Main and North Market Streets. The Rev. Dean Lindsay and Father Jim Parke will be officiating. Music will play a major role in the service and include Lauren''''s high school band director, Dennis Reaser. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made, in Lauren''''s name, to Teton Science Schools at 700 Coyote Canyon Drive in Jackson, Wyo. 83001, or to a church or charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.johnm oakey. com. The Burns family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 389-5441.