Scholarship Honors Memory Of Student Who Died At Naperville Event

NAPERVILLE, IL — A memorial scholarship has been launched memory of Daniel Moshi, of Franklin Park, just over a month after the 17-year-old Leyden High School student collapsed and died during a choir event at Naperville North High School.

The Daniel Moshi Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded to Leyden High School students who plan to pursue four-year degrees in the fine arts, was founded by Leyden High School District 212 and the Unity in Community Foundation, a Franklin Park-based nonprofit.

Moshi's love of music was evident early in his life, when he used a spoon to make percussion sounds against a chair, according to a news release from District 212. A performance of Matilda inspired him to get into musical theater.

At Leyden, Moshi was active in the school's theater performances and participated in All-State choir and musical theater shows.

The scholarship honors Moshi's plans to study the performing arts after graduating from Leyden.

Moshi's family told NBC Chicago that the teen he was rehearsing a solo when he collapsed. He was rushed to Edward Hospital, where he died. As of last month, Moshi's cause of death had not been determined.

“Daniel was the heartbeat of the fine arts at Leyden," the school's Choir Director Stacy Cunningham said in a statement.

Cunningham added, "He is missed more than anyone could imagine. Daniel's time on earth was far too short, but his legacy will continue to live on through this beautiful tribute scholarship."

"Daniel was a star human on and off the stage as he truly was a friend to everyone he met," said Adrianne Nix, coordinator of Leyden's fine arts department. "He had the brightest smile, the best laugh and a drive and determination that would have made him a big star in this world. His commitment to our theater and music programs as well as the larger Leyden community illustrated a drive and determination well beyond his years. His presence in our theatre was always the highlight of the show because he was an absolute joy to watch every time he performed. From Barfee's magic foot in 'Spelling Bee' to greedy Mr. Mushnik in 'Little Shop,' Daniel brought vibrant life to every character he played on the Leyden stage. As we move forward and the show(s) go on Leyden will always save a seat for him in the first row."

Unity in Community is asking members of the public to donate to help fund the Daniel Moshi Memorial Scholarship. Click the link to make a donation.