The Michael E. Kelly Award
1992-2013
Named in memory of LEAD Scholar, Michael E. Kelly, this award is given to a senior LEAD Scholar selected by LEAD peers. Michael entered Santa Clara University, his dream school, in 2010 and quickly became a part of many SCU communities including the LEAD Scholars Program, the Benson Information Desk Staff, the Public Health Program, the women’s basketball practice team, and many pick-up basketball games in Malley with students and alumni. As a LEAD peer mentor, Michael was a support to many in the LEAD Scholars Program and he reflected the values of LEAD in his engagement throughout campus and his ability to connect with people from many backgrounds. When he passed away suddenly in 2013, Michael left behind many friends and family who are forever shaped by and grateful for his big smile, generosity and love.
In honor of Michael, this award goes to a graduating LEAD Scholar who exemplifies leadership and academic success. This award recipient has exhibited effective leadership with the purpose of advancing social justice and enriching and empowering the communities he/she belongs to, not only within LEAD and SCU but also within his/her local and global communities. Further, this student has made outstanding academic accomplishments, which include not only overcoming academic challenges at SCU but also pursuing opportunities to further his/her education, such as graduate school, post-baccalaureate fellowships, and other endeavors. Most importantly, he/she has explored ways to use his/her education to work in solidarity with and benefit underprivileged communities.
2024 Recipient Daniel Martínez.
The LEAD Scholar of the Year
The LEAD Scholar of the Year award goes to a LEAD Scholar from any year selected by the LEAD Programming Board. The LEAD Scholar of the Year is awarded to a student from any year who has made a significant contribution to enhancing the LEAD Community. This award recipient has contributed significantly to building and enhancing the LEAD Scholars Community by creating opportunities for connection, supporting peers, and/or broadening LEAD's reach to the broader campus and beyond SCU.
2024 LEAD Scholar of the Year Armando Abarca