Ryan Zirkle Memorial Marin Scholar Athlete Award Winners 2020

We are delighted to announce two worthy recipients of the first annual Ryan Zirkle Memorial Marin Scholar Athlete Award 2020 (for reference see Marin IJ article: “Locals Prepare for Ryan Zirkle Memorial Golf Tournament”, July 24, 2019 and “Sports briefs”, March 4, 2020).

The Ryan Zirkle Memorial Marin Scholar Athlete Award aims to inspire and encourage current and future Marin County high school scholar-athletes who emulate Ryan’s academic, athletic, and professional achievements.

MCAL Athletic Directors were asked by Ryan’s family to nominate worthy candidates who then submitted their written applications to a selection committee comprised of Ryan’s closest family and friends.  A small group of finalists were invited to interview and from that pool two graduating seniors were selected.

The winners were awarded $2000 each plus $500 each to be paid forward to the philanthropy of his or her choice.

• Josh Franks of San Marin High School, who plans to attend California Polytechnic State University SLO in the fall, boasts a 4.28 GPA as well as outstanding performance and leadership in baseball and football. Josh plans to study Construction Management and chooses to share the $500 pay-it-forward portion of the award with First Base Foundation.

• Sophia Curtaz of Redwood High School, who plans to attend Cal State Chico in the fall, boasts a 4.0 GPA as well as four years of varsity play and leadership in her chosen sport of soccer. Sophia will be continuing her soccer career in college and will study Environmental Science. She chooses to share the $500 pay-it-forward portion of the award with The Union of Concerned Scientists.

According to Ryan’s godfather and uncle, Charlie Christensen, “Words cannot express how honored we were to get to know all of the fine nominees. Each scholar-athlete was incredibly impressive in their own right, and on so many fronts, including academics, athleticism, leadership, and sense of community.  We were challenged to select only two winners, but in the end, feel that Josh and Sophia best embodied the spirit of this award. We are excited to support them on their bright and promising paths!”