The San Juan Soccer Club “National Letter of Intent and Senior Recognition Ceremony” marks an inspirational time when players begin living out their dreams and aspirations of playing at the college level.
The “Premier Student-Athlete Academic & Humanitarian Award Program” acknowledges athletes that have reached beyond their playing capabilities by maintaining high academic standards and have pursued a high level of personal excellence.
A memorable evening was had by all at the San Juan Soccer Club National Letter of Intent, Senior Recognition Ceremony and Premier Student Athlete Academic & Humanitarian Awards Program at the Rancho Cordova Marriott Hotel. With over 350 in attendance, we enjoyed the dressed up SJSC atmosphere in the ballroom witnessing 15 Premier Student Athletes as they signed their letters of intent to Harvard, Cornell, UCLA, Clemson, St. Mary’s, Creighton, Embry Riddle Aeronautical, Sacramento State, San Francisco State, San Jose State, Stanislaus State, Sonoma State, Southern Utah and University of Oregon.
Poems were read, flowers were given, and tears were shed as the athletes were applauded for their many years of hard work and dedication. Coaches and players shared their memories of past experiences and their hopes and dreams for the future. In conjunction with the signers, all spring 2012 graduating seniors were acknowledged as well.
On top of that, 52 younger Premier Student Athletes were awarded Gold level certificates for achieving a 4.0 or higher grade point average, 28 were awarded Silver level certificates for achieving a 3.5 - 3.9 grade point average, and 7 were awarded Bronze level certificates achieving a 3.0 – 3.5 grade point average.
Additionally, 4 Premier Student Athletes (3 Gold and 1 Silver level) were also given Humanitarian awards for their community outreach in the Sacramento area ranging from work with the homeless in our community to work with differently abled youth and adults alike.
As the program drew to a close, the students’ pictures with personal quotes from their teachers and community leaders rolled on the screen. We realized what a privilege it is to be part of a youth sports organization such as San Juan Soccer Club that honors and distinguishes not only outstanding athletes, but individuals who excel academically and who understand the larger meaning of citizenship and of giving freely to the community. For all of those who attended, it was clear SJSC is a club that has the heart and soul to grow true champions, on and off the field.