Laci Award
THE LACI TAQUINO MEMORIAL AWARD
The Laci Taquino Memorial Award is the most prestigious recognition an individual can receive at Sugar ‘n Spice. The dance school was knocked to its knees on August 14, 2006 with the unexpected deaths of one of its students who was also the daughter of one of its teachers at the time, Lisa Taquino. Laci passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage caused by an undiagnosed AVM. SNS chose to remember this beautiful child with an award presented to one student each year who exemplifies the traits and characteristics that were “Laci.” The recipient of this award must be in high school, the teachers nominate deserving students and a selection is made.
The characteristics we look for are those things that Laci was and lived every day. She was an honor roll student, a cheerleader, and a dancer in our Select Class. Her attendance in all extracurricular activities was exemplary. She was a very quiet, unassuming and kind individual who was always willing to help others and often put the needs of others before her own. She was a team player and a person of faith. She worked hard, practiced hard and gave her all in everything that she did. We wanted Laci to be remembered; we wanted our dancers to have an example to follow; thus the award is based on and given to a dancer who shows those same qualities.
Shortly before her death, Laci chose to become an organ donor. That decision resulted in Laci saving 6 lives. Her family, which includes her parents Chad and Lisa Taquino, her sister Lexi Taquino Harrington and her brother in law Taylor Harrington, enjoys volunteering with LOPA and began sponsoring Dance for a Life
in Laci’s name in 2012. Their mission is to get families talking about their wishes regarding organ donation.
Laci was a little girl who left a big impact on the hearts and lives that she touched throughout her short life and even after her passing.
Students that have received this award in her honor are:
2007-Zoe Acosta 2008- Emily Suire 2009- Ashley LeVasseur 2010- Lori Braquet 2011- Marie Sanford
2012-Samantha Prejean 2013- Lexi Taquino 2014- Julia Ardoin 2015- Addi Ducote 2016- Angela Comeaux
2017- Madison Willet 2018- Brynn Romein & Natalye Bradley 2019- Madilyn Suire 2020-Abigail Rajapho
2021-Amiah Richardson 2022-Laila Word 2023-Aubrey Gallet
To learn more about organ donation or to register to become a donor click here
