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WAUPUN - 19-year-old Rachel Bosveld of Waupun was the first female from Wisconsin killed in the Iraq War back in 2003. And although it's been nearly 10 years since her untimely death, the life she lived is far from forgotten.

Rachel's family and friends gathered at Waupun High School Thursday, to remember their fallen soldier.

"Some days it seems like forever, and some days it seems like, 'How could this be? It was just yesterday,'" said Rachel's mother, Mary Bosveld. She says she remembers her daughter as a caring, compassionate individual who always had a way of going the extra mile for others.

"She was always the child who was doing things for other people -- so this will continue, hopefully others will understand that and continue on doing what she did," Mary said.

Now, Rachel's legacy will continue -- thanks to the Rachel Bosveld Scholarship.

"We just feel it's really important to remember Rachel's sacrifice and her service -- and for those who really follow in her footsteps, this will be a perpetual scholarship in her memory and honor," said Scholarship Foundation President Doug LaViolette.

The scholarship will award $1,000 a year to a graduating senior who's going into the military or pursuing a career of community service.

"Those students applying for it will be able to -- each year -- take a little bit of Rachel with them as they go on to do good things in life," said LaViolette.

Mary Bosveld says she hopes students will use the money to follow in her daughter's footsteps -- by making the country a better place.

"It helps keep Rachel's memory alive," she said. "It's important, because it helps her continue the legacy of giving to others -- and that's what she was all about."