2022 REACH Youth Scholarship Awards

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022

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REACH SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR

TECHNOLOGY SPONSOR

COMMUNITY SPONSORS

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Davidson Family Foundation IN-KIND SPONSORS

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS

Larry Stone Kraig Constantino Dr. Deborah Faryniarz Proceeds from the Golden Ticket fundraiser will benefit and fund scholorships

WELCOME

REACH Welcome to the 26th Annual REACH Youth Scholarship Awards Breakfast

The San Jose Sports Authority hosted its first youth scholarship program in the 1996-97 academic year. The REACH (Recognizing Excellence, Adversity, Courage and Hard work) Youth Scholarship Program is designed for high school seniors who have overcome adversity and excel in both academics and athletics. Now in its 26th year, the program continues to grow and includes more than 50 public and private high schools in Santa Clara County.

The REACH Youth Scholarship is chaired by Ronnie Lott and Brandi Chastain. This program is made possible by the generous support of the sponsors of the San Jose Sports Authority, City of San Jose, media, businesses and schools.

The REACH Youth Scholarship program is proud to recognize and honor these South Bay high school seniors. Thank you for your support of this 26th annual celebration of San Jose's youth community.

REACH Youth Scholarship SELECTION COMMITTEE

Dawn Sweatt, Chair | Berliner Cohen Dr. Cole Armstrong | San Jose State University Ginna Baldassarre | Adobe Kraig Constantino | Intero Foundation Jennifer Cosgrove | Intero Foundation David Grissom | CCS Amy Linton | Arcadis Jacqueline-Rochelle Lopez | Team San Jose Stacy McCorkle | San Francisco 49ers Jed Mettee | San Jose Earthquakes Derek Michelson | San Jose Sharks Elizabeth Narwal | Aduro Advisors Ron Olander | Olander Family Foundation Rahul Patel | Qualcomm Sal Pizarro | Mercury News Neil Santiago | Heritage Bank of Commerce Jennifer Wilson-Pitzen | NTC Foundation

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BROADCAST INFO

2022 REACH Youth Scholarship Awards Show OnIine Streaming Watch The Ceremony Here

https://mndl.in/s/8d90de38-04ad-4dae-ada4-957797ffdd38

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EVENT TIMELINE

26th Annual REACH Youth Scholarship Awards Breakfast MASTER OF CEREMONIES Robert Braunstein Executive Producer and Host of 49ers Cal-Hi Sports Report

WELCOME INTRODUCTIONS Ronnie Lott

NFL Hall of Famer & Philanthropist

Brandi Chastain

FIFA Women’s World Cup & Olympic Champion

SPECIAL GUESTS PRESENTATION OF STUDENT ATHLETES 2022 REACH YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PRESENTATION CLOSING REMARKS Video Production by Robert Braunstein, Aubrie Tolliver, Adrian Soriano and Jake Vanderbrack For photos and videos of today’s event, please visit www.sjsa.org

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2022 REACH NOMINEES

IMAN ADDISON Track & Field, Basketball

ARIANNA ALVAREZ Soccer, Volleyball

Iman’s determination enabled her to continue playing basketball in spite of having a lung tumor. With persistence, she overcame the physical challenges and became a strong leader of her peers.

Valley Christian High School

Soccer and volleyball offered the opportunity for Arianna to develop confidence as well as to recover both physically and mentally from a car accident. Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

ALISON AOCHI

Being a three sport athlete, Alison developed strong leadership skills and served as team captain in her senior year while navigating through issues with her coaches. Santa Clara High School

JADYN AYALA

After an in-season physical injury, Jadyn experienced fear, sadness, and hopelessness. She applied the concepts learned in playing sports to discover her own character and purpose. Silver Creek High School

PRISCILLA BAUTISTA

Basketball taught Priscilla to manage her time while competing and to apply a strong commitment to her academics, maintaining a 4.12 GPA. Her drive on and off the court will surely take her to success.

Volleyball, Basketball, Softball

Water Polo, Basketball, Track & Field

Basketball

Roberto Cruz Academy

JIZELL BOSQUES

Jizell commuted daily from Los Banos to San Jose to attend Roberto Cruz Academy. She was committed to her academics as well as her participation on the volleyball team and credits her success in both to the principles she learned in playing sports. Roberto Cruz Academy

TRENT CARRIZOSA

Trent has experienced ups and down in life and acknowledges it takes a committed decision to overcome adversities. He committed to participation in football to achieve his best and has discovered that the sport has given him purpose in life.

Volleyball

Football, Wrestling, Baseball

Del Mar High School

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2022 REACH NOMINEES

Kaitlyn learned that applying hard work earned her a starting position on the volleyball team all while maintaining a 4.59 GPA. Her hard work was acknowledged, and she was named captain of the volleyball team. Los Altos High School Experiencing the hardships alcoholism can have on a family, Emma devoted herself to her studies, maintaining a 4.3 GPA while competing in track and field and cross-country. Los Gatos High School

KAITLYN CUPPET

Soccer, Volleyball

EMMA CURRAN

Track & Field, Cross Country

In her father’s absence, participating in volleyball and soccer offered the support Lupita needed to get through the extra responsibilities she carried for her family. Eastside College Prep

LUPITA DIAZ GARCIA

Through swimming, Emerlen learned the value of balancing life between the ups and downs. He values the joy of the moment and sharing that sentiment with others. Overfelt High School

EMERLEN DONATO

Tomo suffered a childhood physical disability that challenged his ability to participate in sports. With determination, he discovered and fine tuned his athletic prowess to turn his disability into an athletic advantage. Wilcox High School

TOMO FURUTA

The pandemic has been tragic; Rogan lost his mother during this time. Participating in basketball and lacrosse was an outlet for Rogan to focus positive energy in his mother’s memory.

ROGAN GIBBONS

Volleyball, Soccer

Swimming

Volleyball

Basketball, Lacrosse

Henry M. Gunn High School

Humberto was a Soccer star in Mexico who after moving to the USA, with his family left behind, had to learn the language in addition to a new culture. He navigated playing in the states and maintained a 3.68 GPA as an English learner. Roberto Cruz Academy

HUMBERTO GODOY

Participating in dance and cheer encouraged Halle to process her past damaged emotions from verbal and physical abuse and to gain self-acceptance and empathy for others. Wilcox High School

HALLE GRANLUND

Soccer

Cheer

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2022 REACH NOMINEES

KASHARI GRAVENBERG Basketball, Tennis, Softball

Dealing with Covid in the last two years has been tough for many.

Playing basketball helped Kashari cope with the pandemic and created opportunities to make friends for a lifetime.

Live Oak High School

FARDIN HAQUE

Participating in three sports, as well as maintaining a 4.3 GPA allowed Fardin to develop his resilience and leadership skills despite adversity. Milpitas High School

CHRIS HOANG

Diagnosed with a condition that causes tumors to form on the brain, spine, and eyes, with an increased risk of kidney cancer, Chris remained determined to re-learn how to move on the court and compete once again at the highest level. Andrew P. Hill High School

NHI HOANG

Adjusting to major life changes and family responsibilities, Nhi stepped up to the challenge and overcame obstacles while balancing badminton and a 3.98 GPA. Andrew P. Hill High School

ALEXANDRA IBARRA

Soccer was the vehicle Alexandra needed to overcome a deep sadness over the loss of a close one. She learned to focus on the good things in life and to appreciate the support of others.

Cross Country, Track & Field, Badminton

Badminton

Badminton

Soccer

Independence High School

COLIN KLEIS

Football, Basketball

Colin learned at an early age to adjust to new situations and developed the ability to easily make new friends. Having lost his father in a car crash and his grandmother to cancer, he focused his efforts to make a positive difference to others in his life.

Los Gatos High School

MOLLIE KUELKER

Basketball, Softball

NATALIE LARES-CEJA Softball, Cheer

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An athlete’s mindset is what Mollie applied to persevere through her sports injuries and to successfully recover following her surgery.

Henry M. Gunn High School

With confidence bolstered by sports participation, Natalie was able to stand up to negative influences and make better choices for personal success. Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

2022 REACH NOMINEES

Losing her grandmother caused a deep emotional hardship for Larissa. She was able to reconcile her emotions with love from teammates, her participation in sports, and service to the community. Luis Valdez Leadership Academy Dylan’s commitment to three sports helped him to overcome his family’s struggles and challenges with Covid.

LARISSA LORENZI

Softball, Volleyball, Cheer

DYLAN LUCAS

Los Gatos High School

Football, Wrestling, Track & Field

After trying his hand at soccer, basketball and track, Anthony found his true passion for football. And despite some setbacks during his high school career because of a heart condition, dislocated shoulders and Covid cancellations, he overcame those obstacles to have a great senior year. Andrew P. Hill High School

ANTHONY MARTINEZ

Jacob credits his love of sports and the values they teach as his strength to overcome all challenges. He has learned to focus his efforts to the task at hand and accomplish success in athletics and academics. Saint Francis High School

Football, Baseball, Track & Field

JACOB MEZA

Cross Country, Soccer, Track & Field

Sofia credits playing soccer for providing her with the life skills of self-control, patience, humility, and teamwork. Playing on the team offered her stability during a time when she was overwhelmed with life issues. Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

SOFIA RAMIREZ

Raymond has remained steadfast through family tragedies and with a committed dedication to his athletics he has learned about loyalty, friendship, and goal-setting. He considers himself a jokester with a big heart, and his generosity is evident in his community service feeding the homeless. Eastside College Prep

RAYMOND REECE

Ella was born with a disability and had her foot amputated before she was 1 year old. Her disability never stopped her as she pursued her athletic dreams, becoming an accomplished dancer, cheerleader, adaptive basketball player, world-ranked track and field paralympian, and a straight-A student. Ella serves as a spokesperson for Shriner’s Hospital, as well as for adaptive athletes worldwide. Christopher High School

ELLA RODRIGUEZ

Soccer

Basketball

Cheer, Track & Field, Field Hockey, Wheelchair Basketball

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2022 REACH NOMINEES

JASMINE ROSETE

Despite insecurity in her living situation, Jasmine has used basketball to find balance in her life, develop the skills necessary to succeed in high school, and the confidence to be a positive influence for her family. Independence High School

MAYA SAAMS-HOY

Maya stopped competing on the field during her mother’s illness and felt lost when her mother passed away. She discovered a new joy of participating in playing just to play. Eastside College Prep

KOKORO SAGAE

Through participation in sports, Kokoro was able to overcome her insecurities and be renewed with a strong sense of accomplishment, finding her individuality and celebrating her uniqueness.

Basketball, Golf

Soccer

Softball, Basketball

Santa Teresa High School

ERNESTO SANCHEZ

Football, Track & Field

Through adversity in his life, Ernesto adopted the motto, “You have two choices, to quit or to make something positive from the experience.” He chose the latter. He coaches youth football in the local community and will pursue engineering in college.

Saint Francis High School

DEVIKA SHARMA

Devika found solace on the basketball court to overcome personal issues and isolation while caring for an ill parent.

MONSE SUAREZ-TAMAYO

Monse credits sports participation for helping to develop the trait of perseverance and ability to focus in school. Being part of a team means following through with commitments, she learned.

Basketball, Cross Country, Track & Field

Basketball, Cheer

Andrew P. Hill High School

Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

RYAN SUNG

Basketball, Volleyball

Isolation and a negative mindset proved to be major obstacles for Ryan to overcome. Participating in basketball and volleyball offered positive self-image, which, coupled with a high achievement in academics, allowed Ryan to become a better version of himself.

Branham High School

KYLA TAN

Volleyball

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Kyla learned that through sports participation she became a better version of herself, becoming more social, outgoing, and closer to friends and family. Latino College Prep

2022 REACH NOMINEES

Shyness and a language barrier proved to be great obstacles for Van to overcome. His involvement in badminton assisted him with language challenges and soon his friendships on the team broke his shyness. Overfelt High School

VAN THUAN NGUYEN

Softball has provided a safe environment for Sherlyn to escape the weight of adversity present in her life, and she has been able to overcome obstacles with her strength in character.

SHERLYN TORRES

The loss of her sibling brought on a grief so deep that Tammi was unsure she could overcome the inner anxiety. Her participation in soccer, football, track and field, and field hockey provided her with support from teammates and the opportunity to refocus her positive energy. Lynbrook High School

TAMMI TRUJILLO

Badminton

Softball

Latino College Prep

Soccer, Track & Field, Football, Field Hockey

Samuel realized early in his high school career that in order to compete in sports and other extracurricular activities, he would need to succeed in the classroom. He was able to accomplish his goals of good grades, sport participation, and being a proud member of the Latino community. Latino College Prep

SAMUEL VAZQUEZ LOZADA

Damien persisted through unstable housing and a lack of support for his education to compete in two sports as well as graduating high school with hopes to attend college. Roberto Cruz Academy

DAMIEN VERDUGO

Tracy was determined to participate in sports in spite of a lack of family support. She was expected to follow a traditional female role and not participate in physical activity but focus on academics.

Instead, Tracy managed two sports and a 3.7 GPA.

Soccer

Basketball, Track & Field

TRACY VU

Soccer, Tennis

Independence High School

As a three-sport athlete, Faith gained a self-confidence and appreciation for her true identity and overcame the negativity that had been projected onto her in her formative years.

Milpitas High School

Being of multicultural heritage and identity, challenges were present for Alondra. However, being a three-sport athlete, she always knew she had an established, solid footing when competing.

Eastside College Prep

FAITH WONG

Basketball, Cross Country, Track & Field

ALONDRA ZAMORAOLIVARES

Soccer, Cross Country, Track & Field

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26 Years of Recognizing Excellence, Adversity, Courage and Hard Work Now in its 26th year, the REACH Youth Scholarship is a program of the San Jose Sports Authority that recognizes student-athletes who have overcome adversity to excel both academically and athletically. Each spring, the high schools of Santa Clara County are invited to participate in the program by nominating qualified student-athletes for consideration. To date, REACH has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarship funds to hundreds of remarkable student-athletes. The program relies entirely on the generosity of its sponsors and individual contributors for funding.

The San Jose Sports Authority launched the program in 1997 to shine a light on how sports can be a force for good in a young person’s life, especially during difficult times. While each student-athlete’s story is unique, they have in common their experiences with personal pain and hardship as well as resilience and fortitude. Also universal is their love of sport, appreciation of the support of their families, friends, coaches and mentors. Today, the REACH Youth Scholarship Program is an enduring source of inspiration, encouragement and promise for the future.

SJSA.ORG/REACH2022 DONATIONS: https://givebutter.com/ggKO6X @ReachYouthScholarship

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@ReachYouthScholarship

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@REACH_Scholar

The San Jose Sports Authority is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to increase the City of San Jose’s economic development, visibility and civic pride through sports. Serving as the City’s sports commission since its inception in 1991, the Sports Authority has provided leadership and support to attract or host hundreds of sporting events in San Jose and the South Bay. The Sports Authority also supports and operates community, youth and amateur sports programs, including the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame and the REACH Youth Scholarship Program.

John Poch | Executive Director Carrie Benjamin | Director of Events Darren Centi | Event Specialist

SJSA.ORG |

@sjsauthority

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@sanjosesports

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@sjsauthority

THANK YOU

FINAL NOTES To the 2022 REACH Youth Scholarship Finalists: Thank you for being a part of this year’s program and sharing your stories with us. We wish you the best!

THANK YOU 2022 PARTICIPATING HIGH SCHOOLS Andrew P. Hill High School Branham High School

also, to every parent, sibling, aunt, uncle, grandparent, extended family member, school administrator, guidance counselor, teacher, athletic director, coach, mentor, faith leader and friend, as well as anyone not listed here, who serves as a positive influence and role model in the lives of the students of San Jose and Santa Clara County. You inspire us to REACH.

Christopher High School Del Mar High School Eastside College Prep Henry M. Gunn High School Independence High School Latino College Prep Live Oak High School Los Altos High School Los Gatos High School Luis Valdez Leadership Academy Lynbrook High School Milpitas High School Overfelt High School Roberto Cruz Academy Saint Francis High School Santa Clara High School Santa Teresa High School Silver Creek High School Valley Christian High School Wilcox High School

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TESTIMONIAL

DEVYN LOPEZ 2019 REACH Youth Scholarship Recipient Overfelt High School UC Berkeley, Class of 2023

“REACH gave me the platform not only to share my own story but also to stand for countless other survivors of sexual abuse. The scholarship was a blessing that alleviated the weight of guilt and silence that had burdened my life for many years, too. Being one of the scholarship recipients from my community also allowed me to demonstrate how those of us from East Side San Jose rise from concrete. REACH recognizes the adversity student-athletes may face as well as the grit and resilience it takes to come out thriving. Now that I am at Cal... (I see) how REACH makes a difference in higher education for students like myself. I will carry my life-changing experience with REACH forever!”

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Supporting Our Community for Over 25 Years Heritage Bank of Commerce is a proud supporter of:

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