Scholarship remembers 'inspirational' woman

Editor's note: Dawn Nickles is the sister of the late Tami Nickles and helped establish a scholarship, the Tami S. Nickles Memorial Scholarship, honoring her. SANDUSKY — Tami Nickles was a 1992 Sandusky High School graduate. She had strong ties to her hometown with many of her family still residing here. She regularly attended class reunions and sporting events, supporting her community, her family members and longtime friends. The Tami S. Nickles Memorial Scholarship was established in October 2023 through Sandusky Schools to honor Tami's memory by providing financial support to deserving Sandusky High School graduates. Tami was an inspirational, intelligent and kind person. She was generous and giving. Through her scholarship fund, we want to celebrate Tami's values and passions while providing a lasting legacy to inspire future generations. Sandusky High School seniors who are pursuing a two-year or more degree, majoring in business, nursing or veterinary science attending Bowling Green State University or the University of Toledo are eligible. Since its inception, we have awarded three scholarships, each in the amount of $1,000. In 2024, we selected two recipients, Isabella Blakely and Elli Pitcher, both of whom at the time of selection were pursuing nursing degrees through BGSU. This year, we selected Somayah Diamond. Somayah is also planning on pursuing a nursing degree at BGSU Firelands. Tami had such a positive impact on so many people. We are proud to be able to positively impact future innovators and leaders in her name. Tami earned her master's degree in business administration from the University of Toledo. She had completed a semester in nursing at Owens Community College, was a foster/volunteer for Animal House Rescue, and she was also a fitness instructor at Ascension Borgess Health and Fitness. On May 23, two years after Tami tragically lost her life — on May 5, 2023 — a Michigan jury found Robert "Bob" Nizzardini guilty of second-degree murder, guilty of felony firearm and guilty of domestic violence. He will be sentenced on June 23. We have been waiting for this day for so long, to finally have justice served. Tami was the best daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend. The world was better with her in it. We, her family and friends, will continue to honor her by being her voice in the community. Once a Blue Streak, always a Blue Streak. Want to donate? Our plan has been to grow her scholarship fund so that we can offer additional awards annually. To date, we have received $675 in generous donations in Tami's honor. Going forward, we look forward to planning fundraising events in her memory to raise funds for her scholarship. Donations can be made anytime to • Sandusky City Schools • ATTN: The Tami S. Nickles Memorial Scholarship Fund • 407 Decatur St. • Sandusky, OH 44870