Ryan Zirkle Memorial Marin Scholar Athlete Award Winners 2022

We are delighted to announce the two worthy recipients of the annual Ryan Zirkle Memorial Marin Scholar Athlete Award 2022.

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 composed 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.

·         Lyla Johnston, also of Archie Williams High School, plans to study biology at Scripps College in the fall. Boasting a 4.07 GPA and varsity play in both volleyball and lacrosse, Lyla was voted MVP in 2021, Team Captain in 2022 and also serves on the school’s Associated Student Body. Passionate about the powerful positive influence of youth sports, Lyla chooses to share the $500 pay-it-forward portion of the award with Play Marin.

 ·         Nick Lafave of Archie Williams High School, who plans to attend UC Irvine in the fall, showed outstanding skill and leadership in three varsity sports (Waterpolo, Swimming and Soccer) while maintaining a 3.8 GPA. Nick plans to study business or engineering and chooses to share the $500 pay-it-forward portion of the award with Guide Dogs for the Blind, an organization that has been near and dear to his heart since childhood.

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 Nick and Lyla best embody the spirit of this award. We are excited to support them on their bright and promising paths!”