CARA MARIE LOUGHRAN

Cara Marie Loughran's name speaks volumes about her. In Italian, Cara means "precious." In Irish Gaelic it translates to "friend." The name's Latin origins mean "beloved one." Our Cara was a precious soul and a beautiful friend, a shining light beloved by all of those who knew and loved her.

Even as the tiniest baby she shined, all smiles and songs and sweetness. She grew into a dedicated student who loved school and was proud to be recognized on the A Honor Roll. She was at her happiest during long days spent enjoying the beach, horsing around in the waves with her dad and teaching her younger cousins how to ride a boogie board. She loved dancing at the Drake School of Irish Dance FL, ice skating, shopping with her mom and grandma, and giggling and chatting in her room with her close friends.

Cara's future was bright. But on February 14, 2018, just a few days shy of her 15th birthday, Cara was tragically killed by a troubled former student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. All of us touched by her life owe it to Cara to carry her precious beauty in to the world, to be a friend and an inspiration to others. Cara Dances On is our effort to continue her beautiful legacy, by making college scholarships available to her fellow students at Drake School of Irish Dance Fll. Scholarships will be awarded annually, beginning in June of 2020, to Drake Fll Dancers whom  truly represented the spirit of Cara!