Scholarship honors Tami Nickles

SANDUSKY — Family members recently established a scholarship to honor a beloved woman with deep local roots who suddenly passed away earlier this year. The fund serves as a living memorial to Tami Nickles. It's officially known as the Tami S. Nickles Memorial Scholarship. "We created this scholarship as a tribute from those of us who were fortunate to have known Tami and loved her," Dawn Nickles, her sister-in-law, said. Tami, 48, was shot and killed on May 5 inside a home in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she was scheduled to pick up her three dogs. "We hope this will enable a young individual with the opportunity to pursue a career in one of the fields Tami was passionate about," Dawn said. Dawn then explained the scholarship's guidelines and who can qualify for funds. Basically, it's for graduating Sandusky High School seniors who are: • Pursuing a major in business, nursing or veterinary science • Attending Bowling Green State University or the University of Toledo • Going to school for at least two years Interested students can apply at the high school's guidance office or the department's website. Eligible students can receive up to $1,000. "We plan, in the future, to grow the scholarship fund and to offer additional awards annually, if we have a large number of applicants," Dawn said. Dawn then linked the scholarship's qualifications to Tami's fondness for life. "Tami was passionate about so many things," Dawn said. "She earned her master's in business administration from the University of Toledo, had completed a semester in nursing at Owens Community College, was a foster/volunteer for Animal House Rescue, and she was a fitness instructor at Ascension Borgess Health and Fitness." Dawn described Tami as a smart and dedicated individual, character traits vital for any student seeking funds through this scholarship. "By creating this memorial scholarship, we are keeping the memory of her alive," Dawn said. "She impacted so many people's lives, and we hope that this scholarship will create a new legacy for Tami by helping to fund the education of young individuals for years to come." In tribute Tami, a 1992 Sandusky High School graduate who resided in the city for many years, was deeply loved by everyone who knew her, her stepsister Amy Davis said. "She was a beautiful person inside and out," Davis said. "She was kind and funny, direct and really loved by everyone." Now past the six-month mark since her death, Dawn underscored the burdens faced daily by her family. Most notably, they're keeping a close eye on court proceedings. Robert "Bob" Nizzardini, 57, of Oshtemo Township, Michigan, is charged with murder, felony firearm and domestic violence charges in connection to Tami's death, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Michigan's 8th District Court. Nizzardini pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned on May 8. "It is clear from the investigation that Robert had the motive, means and opportunity to murder Tami Nickles," according to the affidavit. Nizzardini pleaded not guilty when arraigned on May 8. "The trial was scheduled to start in November but has been adjourned until April," Dawn said. "Waiting on the slow wheels of justice to move is agonizing. We want (Nizzardini) to be sentenced for taking Tami from us." Dawn noted the coming weeks will serve as a trying time for her family. "She always hosted all of us for Thanksgiving. The holidays are going to be really hard," said Dawn, noting Tami's beloved dogs — Bella, Draymond, and Zoey — are living with her and her husband, Charlie, who's Tami's brother. "We love her babies and are trying our best to make it through the days without her." Want to help? People are encouraged to donate toward the Tami S. Nickles Memorial Scholarship To do so, people can send money or checks payable to the: • Sandusky Board of Education / Sandusky City Schools • 407 Decatur St. • Sandusky, OH 44870