Foundation helps area students realize college dreams

Melissa Cook's last act on Earth was an act of kindness, her stepfather Paul Demo said.

Cook, a 1990 Merrillville High School graduate and 1994 University of Notre Dame alumna, was killed in 2002 in Chicago when scaffolding fell onto her car from the John Hancock Center.

Paul Demo said Cook waved a pedestrian across the street shortly before the incident occurred. Her generosity saved the person.

Cook's generous personality inspired Paul and Linda Demo, Cook's mother, to start the Melissa Cook Memorial Foundation in 2006. The organization provides college scholarships, which pay full tuition and housing for four years to Northwest Indiana students who may not be able to afford college because of financial limitations.

"Melissa's name lives on through them," Paul Demo said.

The foundation has awarded 11 scholarships since it was established, according to its website.

Paul Demo said he and Linda stay in contact with the recipients, and they enjoy watching them succeed.

Paige Wilson, a Merrillville High School graduate, and Aaron Jackson, a Hanover Central Junior-Senior High School graduate, were the 2010 scholarship recipients. Wilson is attending Purdue University and Jackson is attending the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

"I feel we picked two strong candidates," Paul Demo said.

Paul and Linda Demo have watched the foundation grow since they established it. Paul Demo said the organization's volunteer board of directors has expanded to include members who live throughout the country and promote the organization.

"It's coming along very good," Paul Demo said.

Even with the sluggish economy, Paul Demo said people continue to contribute to the organization. He said many are inspired to help after hearing Cook's story.

The organization is conducting a fundraiser through Aug. 31. Those who donate to the foundation are entered to win football tickets to see Notre Dame play Pittsburgh on Oct. 9 at Notre Dame Stadium, two passes for airfare, a parking pass, a two-night stay at the Hyatt Place, a gift certificate for dinner and a tour of Notre Dame Stadium.

Visit www.melissacook.org to donate to the organization and for application information.