Silent auction and volleyball tournament planned to honor Edmond girl

All proceeds from the auction will support the Heather Harkness Memorial Volleyball Tournament. The Edmond Santa Fe Lady Wolves will host the fifth annual tournament on Nov. 17, beginning at 8 a.m.

Harkness, a standout player for the Lady Wolves, died Sept. 9, 2008, during an appendectomy. Her mother, Susan Harkness, said both events help keep her daughter's legacy alive.

“The Heather Harkness events have become a celebration of the talent, commitment and effectiveness of young people like her to make our part of the world a better place,” Susan Harkness said. “The challenge she left them of, it's how you live your life and what you leave behind has become an inspiring legacy for Heather, but also for the many fine young people who have been the recipients of the scholarship program.

“Heather was quite clear that she wanted to do something important with her life and our family extends our appreciation to the students and teachers at Edmond Santa Fe DECA and volleyball who are making her hopes and dreams come true.”

The tournament has been recognized as a premier recreational volleyball tournament and the largest in the state. Last year's event drew 63 teams, nearly 300 sponsors and more than 1,000 people who came together to honor Harkness.

Event proceeds will be used to fund scholarships in Heather Harkness' name and assist in defraying costs associated with events in honor of Heather. To date, 19 scholarships have been awarded to Oklahoma seniors.