Lexus of Stevens Creek Sponsors $10,000 in Scholarships to Local Student Athletes

Pictured: Lexus Volunteer Scholarship Award Winners Avanti Mehrotra, Annie Doyle, Michael Kelker, Amy Apostol and Melanie Ramirez


18 year-old Michael Kelker of Pioneer High School was awarded the Grand Prize of $3,000 as the Lexus Volunteer Scholarship Awards were handed out Monday night during Cal-Hi Sports’ Annual Awards at EA Sports in Redwood City.

Michael has been very involved in his school and community and a member of the Pioneer
Football Team.

"Throughout the years, becoming involved in service has greatly shaped me into the person I am today. For me the phrase, 'if you want to learn about yourself help others' for me this is been very true," said Michael during his acceptance speech.

Michael says growing up with a brother who is disabled greatly influenced him, and he became involved in a non-profit program called Wheels on Fire, a sports league for physically disabled children and young adults. Since his freshman year, Michael has also been an active member of the Santa Clara County Youth Task Force, a group of high school students who come together to represent youth in our communities and help implement legislative change.

As athletes we have sacrificed, worked hard and pushed ourselves for our sports. Now let’s take those same skills to make a difference in our own community," said Michael.

In the fall, Michael will be attending Cal Poly majoring in Political Science.

Pictured: Lexus Volunteer Scholarship Grand Prize Award Winner Michael Kelker & Family

The Lexus Volunteer Scholarship Awards were started in 2013 as a way to honor five extraordinary young individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions as they strive to make a difference in the world around them.

The following volunteer athletes were also awarded scholarships:

$2,000 Scholarship: Avanti Mehrotra - Lynbrook High School:

 

$2,000 Scholarship: Melanie Ramirez - College Park High School:

$1,500 Scholarship: Amy Apostol - Archbishop Mitty High School:

$1,500 Scholarship: Annie Doyle - Campolindo High School

“Investing in our community and young futures is a fundamental belief of Lexus of Stevens Creek,” said V.P. and General Manager Jared Miller. “These impressive and inspiring individuals have not only succeeded in the classroom and in athletics, but have also demonstrated a high level of commitment to their community through service.”

Lexus of Stevens Creek, in association with Cal-Hi Sports and the non-profit organization 19 for Life, presents the 2015 Lexus Volunteer Scholarship Program to local high school athletes who embrace the spirit of volunteering and have been selected by Cal-Hi Sports as a "Volunteer of the Week" during the 2014-2015 season.

The first phase of the program kicked off March 25th with a Facebook voting contest in which family, friends and the community had the opportunity to vote for their favorite volunteer athlete. The voting period lasted three weeks, through April 15th, and the top tem participants moved on to the second phase, the essay portion. From there, a panel of judges chose the five volunteer athletes to be interviewed, and they were awards one of five scholarships at the Cal-Hi Sports Banquet.

Save the Date: 5th Annual Teen Volunteer Fair!

Catching Up With 2014 Lexus Volunteer Scholarship Award Winner Jackson Pellegrini

19 year-old Jackson Pellegrini is wrapping up his first year at Boston College. The Los Gatos native was the 2014 Lexus Volunteer Scholarship Awards Grand Prize Winner of $5,000! 

Jackson says he used the funds to help cover his first year of college tuition, which he says helped tremendously. 

Jackson graduated last year from Leigh High School and played on the basketball team while maintaining a 4.3 GPA. When Jackson wasn't on the court or hitting the books, he spent his time volunteering in his community and globally. Every year, Jackson travels to Mexico with his church youth group to build homes for those in need. In high school, Jackson also organized clothing drives, food drives, the Princess Project and more!

"The blessings and opportunities I am so lucky to have enable me to utilize my unique assets to help those in need and do what I love: service to others," says Jackson.

The Boston College freshman says he has continued his volunteer efforts this past school year in Massachusetts. He quickly got involved with one of the largest weekly service groups at the university - 4Boston. Jackson says as part of the organization he has been exposed to many different service opportunities including tutoring and mentoring a 4^th grader from inner city Boston and planning events and activities for at-risk children.

During his spring break this year, Jackson did a service trip to a struggling area in Springfield, MA. He joined a group of ten students and two mentors and learned about servant leadership, leading a community and being a servant at the same time. Jackson says he also had the opportunity to tutor children and visit homeless shelters. Jackson says he has been accepted into an international service organization, and next school year he will be traveling to Nicaragua. 

“It's crucial to be men and women for others,” says Jackson. "I just think it’s really important to give back because of all that we are fortunate enough to have."

Jackson is currently majoring in Political Science and English with minor in American Studies. He says his plan is to start or participate in a non-profit organization in Boston and is very interested in helping those in low income housing as well as the global clean water crisis.

Donation Drive for Humane Society Silicon Valley Kicks Off!

Lexus of Stevens Creek is thrilled to partner once again this year with the Humane Society Silicon Valley to help our little four-legged friends in need. For the months of May and June, Lexus guests who donate items valued at $10 or more, will receive 10% off their service bill at the Lexus of Stevens Creek Service Center!

The Humane Society Silicon Valley is a Milpitas-based non-profit organization whose mission is to save and enhance the lives of animals in our community. Since the group was founded in 1929, HSSV has adopted more than 500,000 animals into permanent, loving homes. Please help us help our furry friends!

Lexus Cares: Helping the Homeless!

Lexus of Stevens Creek is proud to continue our partnership with the non-profit organization HomeFirst. The longtime mission of HomeFirst is to confront homelessness by cultivating people’s potential to get housed and stay housed. 

For the months of March and April, Lexus of Stevens Creek hosted its annual donation drive to collect items for families transitioning out of shelter living. On Thursday, April 30th, we loaded up the HomeFirst truck with bins full of blankets, sheets, towels, socks and more!

Thank you to all of the Lexus of Stevens Creek guests who donated, and thank you to HomeFirst for your efforts in helping the homeless in Santa Clara County.