Remembering the Life of Jack David Richards 11/19/01 - 7/23/23
Jack Richards Athletic Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Jack Richards Athletic Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to honor the life and legacy of Jack David Richards, a 2020 Royal High School Graduate, who died by suicide on July 23, 2023.
Jack was a beacon of athleticism, natural talent, and determination. Throughout his journey, he achieved exceptional milestones in Taekwondo, water polo, wrestling, and overall physical fitness, earning the admiration and respect of anyone who witnessed his achievements. Jack was a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, CIF Champion in water polo, and a four-year varsity wrestler at Royal High School. With no prior experience, Jack joined the wrestling team as a freshman, and went on to become a three-time Master’s qualifier, two-time State qualifier and won the CIF Individual and Team Wrestling Championships in his senior year. Jack’s competitive spirit and love for sports were an inspiration to all.
Jack displayed inherent leadership qualities, and was admired by his teammates, co-workers, and friends, many of whom sought his guidance. Jack was an unwavering and devoted protector of his close-knit circle of friends.
Jack graduated from Northwest Lineman College in 2021 and worked as a union lineman.
Scholarship Eligibility/Requirements
- Offered to graduating seniors in the Simi Valley Unified School District planning to attend Trade School, Community College or a Career Training Program; must be in the process of enrolling or already accepted to their school/program of choice.
- Must be a student athlete OR pursuing a degree/career in Mental Health Services. Priority will be given to athletes in Wresting and Water Polo programs.
- Must be a resident of Simi Valley and have attended a Simi Valley high school all four years.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must have a financial ‘need’.
- Submit a 1-3 page typed personal essay that includes the following:
- Tell us about yourself, including your values, beliefs, dreams and goals, and how you plan to make a difference in your community.
- Describe your experience as a student-athlete and how it has helped shape you as a student and as a person overall.
- Tell us what leadership means to you and how you have displayed these qualities and/or who you admire most for their leadership abilities.
- Describe your post-high school plans, and how they align with your interests and strengths.
- Tell us how mental health has impacted you, a friend or family member, and how you’ve been able to grow from, or deal with it.
- Describe any other obstacles or challenges you’ve encountered during high school and how you’ve been able to overcome them.
- Include why you believe you should receive this scholarship.