A somber, touching moment settled a full crowd in the Bryce Jordan Center before the athletes took the stage for the Pep Rally. The O’Bryan family came on addressed the audience in memory of their daughter Courtney. Courtney passed away in 2011 en route to a canning trip when the car she was traveling in slipped on black ice.

A video remembering Courtney’s life played for a silent BJC before her Mrs. O’Bryan took the microphone to speak. She discussed the power of THON and the impact the initiative had on her daughter, who was heavily involved in many of the organization’s events.

A member of Sigma Delta Tau sorority, the freshman participated in canning trips, the THON 5K, sending THONvelopes, and countless other FTK events and activities.

The Huntington, NY native left behind many memories, forever instilled with her family and friends. Her legacy lives on and, as Mr. O’Bryan explained, inspired the creation of the Courtney O’Bryan Award. Sean Cirroco, a Supply Logistics Captain, won the award for embodying everything Courtney did and stood for.