Ryan Zirkle Memorial Marin Scholar Athlete Award Winners 2021

We are pleased to announce the two worthy recipients of the second annual Ryan Zirkle Memorial Marin Scholar Athlete Award 2021.

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.

 

• Kekoa Garrido of Marin Catholic High School, who plans to attend San Francisco City College in the fall, showed outstanding leadership on and off the field while maintaining a robust academic and social life. Kekoa plans to pursue his football career in college and beyond and chooses to share the $500 pay-it-forward portion of the award with Boys and Girls Clubs of Petaluma.
• Sadie Blue Starrett of Marin Catholic High School, who plans to attend University of California at Davis in the fall, boasts four years of varsity play and academic excellence and leadership in her chosen sport of basketball. Sadie Blue will study Sociology in college and chooses to share the $500 pay-it-forward portion of the award with Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

 

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