PLATTSBURGH -- Stacey Lynn Frechette, on Feb. 24, 2007, was tragically killed in an automobile accident.

Her family, friends and community are making her memory a lasting one for years to come.

The "Race For Stace," the first Annual Memorial 5K Walk/Run in honor of the former Seton Catholic all-star gymnast, will take place Saturday, April 26 at 9 a.m. at the Plattsburgh U.S. Oval.

The walk/run is just one of the events that will be held in conjunction with the Stacey Lynn Frechette Scholarship Fund, which will award $1,500 each year to an area senior gymnast.

"The scholarship, which will be given every year, is about passion, desire and strength," said Blake Frechette, Stacey's father. "It's a standard application process and everyone has a chance at winning it. There are only 10 senior gymnasts this year.

"Every penny raised goes into the scholarship fund. We want the scholarship to continue even when we're not around anymore."

Frechette enrolled at Trudeau's Gymnastics Center at the age of six and later became a Champlain Valley Athletic Conference all-star for all six years she competed on a high school level. As a seventh-grader at St. John's, she competed for Seton Catholic.

Frechette, in her senior year, won the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Award at the state meet. She attended Brockport State before suffering an injury which ended her collegiate career.

Proceeds in golf and hockey tournaments also help with the scholarship fund.

"The walk/run and golf tournament are the biggest fundraisers," said Justin Frechette, Stacey's brother. "The support we have received from the community has been unbelievable.

"This isn't a one and done scholarship. It will be given every year."

"The help we have received from great people like Janice Trudeau, Jen Boyer, Brett Studley and Melanie Guay has been outstanding," said Blake Frechette.

Pre-registration for the 5K race/walk will be Friday, April 25 from 4-6 p.m. at St. Peter's Church (Emmaus Room).

Pre-registation forms will also be available up until April 24 at Warren Tire Service Center, 13 Broad Street (see Jen), and at Studley Printing and Publishing, 4701 State Route 9S (see Brett).

Pre-registration fee is $15 and day of race registration, from 7-8 a.m., is $20. The first 150 to register will receive a t-shirt.