Honoring the Inspiration of Coach K.J. Bentley
A new scholarship has been created at Woodbridge High School honoring the inspiration of late English teacher and wrestling Coach K.J. Bentley. The scholarship, graciously offered by the school’s Athletic Boosters, will recognize one graduating male athlete and one graduating female athlete. Each scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $2,000 per student athlete. Candidates will reflect the motto of Coach Bentley, both in the classroom and in their respective sport. Bentley encouraged his students and athletes to always give their best effort and to conduct themselves with integrity.
“K.J. was always about the athlete who gave 100 percent to his sport and to the team,” said Bentley’s wife, Mary.
“It didn't matter what their record was or how successful of an athlete they were, it was more about their attitude with their teammates and how they handled themselves with their opponents. He would talk about that kid who would work hard and always give his best effort. ‘When you leave the mat, no regrets,’ he would say.”
This scholarship will be presented at the Senior Breakfast on June 6, 2011 by the Woodbridge High School Athletic Boosters and Mary Bentley.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Coaches are being asked to nominate one of their senior athletes who embody these characteristics. Qualifications for this scholarship are not GPA-based. The recipients must plan to enroll in a two- or four-year college or trade school. Only one candidate is allowed per sport. A letter of recommendation from a coach, teacher, staff member or teammate is required describing how the student exemplifies the characteristics that Coach Bentley promoted. Students must submit a 100-word essay describing what has inspired them. A final decision will be made by a five-member panel featuring three boosters, Mary Bentley and Jeff Alexander, who will represent the Woodbridge staff. (Boosters on the panel may not be related to current seniors.)
QUALIFICATIONS
- All applicants must be senior athletes in the graduating class of 2011.
- The award will not be based on financial need or grade-point average.
- To be eligible, student-athletes must plan on attending a two-year or four-year college or trade school.
DEADLINE AND SUBMISSION
The deadline to nominate an athlete for this scholarship is May 2, 2011. All nominations should be submitted to Woodbridge High School Athletic Boosters, at 2 Meadowbrook, Irvine, CA 92604.
