(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Air Academy High School Student Council (STUCO) presented the Riley Whitelaw Music Festival on Friday, Jan. 24, to celebrate the life of Whitelaw, a young woman who touched the hearts of everyone she knew.

Previously known as the Battle of the Bands, the Riley Whitelaw Music Festival raised more than $2,000 to fund scholarships and art grants at the Air Academy High School, continuing Whitelaw’s legacy, who was killed in 2022.

“I recognize our organization was born out of tragedy, but what I hope others realize is Riley does get to live on in what we do and how we continue to live and celebrate each other. Community and connection,” said Courtenay Whitelaw, Founder of the Riley Whitelaw Memorial Fund.

Riley’s 20th birthday would have been on Monday, Jan. 20. All money raised during the event, goes back to students at the high school in the form of scholarships.