Dawn Schafer was a beautiful, energetic 17-year-old young lady.  Dawn was at the end of her junior year at Central High School when she lost her short-lived battle with viral pneumonia on May 9, 1984.  She was the daughter of Don & Elsie Schafer of Chebanse, twin sister to Dean of Chebanse; sister to Kim (Astroth) of Normal; Dianne (Schaafsma) of Momence; Judy (Torres) of Houston, TX; David and Dennis both of Chebanse, and Ann (Jensen) of Clifton.

Dawn was Vice President of her class as well as an active member in Student Council, Math Club, Letterman's Club, Band, Varsity Cheerleading, Track, and National Honor Society.  She belonged to Sts. Mary and Joseph Church and was very involved in her church's youth organization.

Dawn had dreams of becoming a teacher, but during her stay in the hospitals, she considered a career in nursing.  Dawn was an academic, athletic, and spiritual inspiration to all who knew her.