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CEF creates Aleks Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Medrano family, Columbus Cardinals and community at-large experienced the sudden loss of a very extraordinary young man last year on Oct. 2.
You couldn’t go a block in Columbus without seeing the sign “Medrano #62” on many front yards. Aleks Medrano was a much-loved son, brother, extended family member, student and football player.
The outpouring of this love was memorialized by the establishment of an Aleks Memorial Scholarship Fund set up in his name. His memory and legacy will live on.
“Aleks inspired his teammates to go on to a win the State Championship in high school football,” said Columbus Cardinals head football Coach Matt Schobel. “This was the first ever state championship for the team and they did the City of Columbus proud. Aleks was as good as they come. He was a great kid and a great teammate. Aleks did everything that was asked of him. He had a heart of gold and will be missed by all.”
Thanks to the generous outpouring from the community, the Columbus Education Foundation (CEF) has raised roughly $17,000 in donations towards a scholarship in Medrano’s name and continues to grow.
CEF reached out to his family to find out how they would like to handle the disbursement of this memorial scholarship. After they gave it much thought, this is what they decided.
Medrano’s parents decided that all the initial funds should be paid out this year. These scholarships would go to students that are part of Medrano’s class of 2025. They would like the scholarships to go to graduating seniors that want to pursue careers in coaching athletes, careers in the medical profession as either a nurse or a doctor, or students that will continue their education through trade schools.
“Aleks was the epitome of a great teammate. He never missed practice or let his teammates down,” said Columbus Cardinals’ defensive coordinator Kenneth Robinson. “Aleks was unselfish, hardworking and all about the Cardinals. He was all that rolled into one. He was happy to be such a part of something that was bigger than just himself. He was a humble young man. You would want your kid to be like Aleks.”
The donations made towards the Aleks Medrano Memorial Scholarship Fund were raised in a relatively short period of time. There is still time for donations to be made that can be added to the Memorial Scholarship Fund. These additional funds will provide even more opportunities for the graduating Columbus High School students.
If you feel moved to be part of this memorial tribute to #62 Aleks Medrano, please visit www. ColumbusEducationFoundation. org and go to the “Donate” tab. There you will see an option for the amount you would like to donation and once you have made that decision, go to the “Dedicate this donation” tab. Fill in the box with the Aleks Medrano Memorial Scholarship Fund.
You can also donate via check made out to Columbus Education Foundation, Inc. and mail them to 105 Cardinal Lane, Columbus, TX 78934. Make sure you mark it for the Aleks Medrano Memorial Scholarship Fund.
