OKEMOS - On the night of Sept. 5, 2009, Adam Nevells had 300 friends over to his house.

Except it wasn't a celebration. They were mourning, silently marching to the home of the 17-year old Okemos senior who lost his life to a speeding red pickup truck the day before.

Candles in hand, the mile-long walk from Adam's middle school ended at his Okemos home, where his parents and older brother made a decision.

"We were at a crossroads," said Michael Nevells, Adam's father. "We could go hide in a corner and be devastated we lost Adam. We knew we couldn't change the outcome of a fatal car accident, but we certainly had control of how we went forward."

Six years later, the Adam Nevells Memorial Fund was established, raising funds through donations for four annual scholarships at the high school.

Adam's memorial fund touches the lives of the four aspects of school Adam was involved in: athletics, band, boy scouts, and his church. Using his life insurance to begin the fund, the Nevells have provided over $21,000 dollars in scholarships to Okemos students.

Fundraisers such as an alumni water polo event, wrestling, and a golf outing all continue to raise money for the scholarships. The goal for the fund is to reach $100,000 that will replenish in perpetuity, lasting long into the future.

"We know that he's looking down on us and smiling because keeping his spirit alive with this scholarship memorial is something that he would've wanted," said Michael.