LEEDS – The community lost an educator and friend when Tasha Dunham lost her three-year battle with cancer in June. The staff at the Margaret Murphy Center for Children in Auburn and Dunham’s family have created a scholarship in her memory. The Tasha Dunham Memorial College Scholarship will help students continue their education.

To set up the scholarship, the center and family will hold a benefit barbecue on Saturday, Aug. 12, at 282 Quaker Ridge Road in Leeds. A raffle will also be held, and they are seeking donations of items or services. Monetary donations toward the scholarship are also welcome.

Durham dedicated her life to enriching the lives of children with autism. She grew up in Farmington and graduated from Mt. Blue High School in 1996. She earned a degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida, then returned to Maine.

Dunham lived in Livermore Falls and worked at the Margaret Murphy Center. While at the center, Dunham attended the University of Southern Maine, studying school psychology with the hope of one day opening her own school to aid children with special educational needs.

Those interested in helping with the scholarship are asked to contact Audra Cole at 897-5169 or [email protected].