Saturday, May 24, 2025
Before notching a win on April 4, the Oceanside Sailors varsity girl’s lacrosse team paused for a poignant moment of silence in honor of a former player whose photograph was displayed high above the field. The gesture marked the second annual game dedicated to the memory of 16-year-old Ava Salonia, who died on August 17, 2023, following a nearly yearlong battle with acute myeloid leukemia.
As the national anthem concluded, the Sailors—dressed in orange, the color of leukemia awareness—formed a circle and joined hands. Photos of Ava, an avid lacrosse player whose love for the sport never wavered even during her illness, played on the digital scoreboard. Standing among her teammates was Ava’s younger sister, Ella, who carried her sister’s spirit onto the field.
In addition to celebrating Ava’s life on the field, spectators donated to the newly established Ava Salonia Memorial Scholarship. This June, two Oceanside High School seniors who exhibit kindness, compassion, and empathy—qualities Ava was known for—will each receive a $500 scholarship. “
During halftime, Oceanside Athletic Director Tom Lehman presented Ava’s parents Jessica and Ralph Salonia with two framed Sailors jerseys bearing Ava’s number, 8.
The legacy of Ava’s creativity and kindness also lives on through a craft project that began in her hospital room at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. The craft initiative has expanded to include drawstring bags, which pediatric patients can customize and keep or gift to loved ones.
Through scholarships, moments of silence, and a growing community of young crafters, Ava’s memory continues to bring people together—reminding all who knew her that kindness, perseverance, and love can leave a lasting mark.
