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.