News
Friars unveil 2009 Padres Scholars class
Fifteen students selected to receive $7,000 scholarships
Friars player pose with children from the Padres Scholars program on Sunday. (Amy Brittain/MLB.com)
By Amy Brittain / MLB.com
06/07/09 4:30 PM ET
SAN DIEGO -- The recent sight of 6-foot-10-inch Padres pitcher Chris Young ducking through the classroom doorway was likely a thrilling surprise for several San Diego middle-schoolers. Better yet, Young delivered some life-changing news: The financially-disadvantaged eighth graders had been selected as Padres Scholars and would receive $7,000 scholarships to attend college. "Just to see the smiles on their faces," Young said. "The relief, the excitement and the joy. It's an opportunity for an individual who wouldn't otherwise have it. It's pretty special." The Padres recognized their 2009 class of 15 Padres Scholars and commemorated the 15th anniversary of the program prior to Sunday's game against the D-backs at PETCO Park. The Padres organization has donated $2.1 million to 389 students since the program's inception in 1995. Sue Botos, director of the Padres Foundation, said this year's scholarship recipients were selected from approximately 80 applicants through the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) college-prep program. Representatives from the Padres sat down for one-on-one interviews with the students to narrow the pool to 15. "We look for kids where you can just feel the determination," Botos said. "We look for kids in their families who are going to be the first to go to college and who have average to above-average grades. We don't necessarily look for the 4.0 student. We also look for kids who might need an extra boost." Botos said Padres players donate $52,500 annually to support the program, with the ownership matching their donations dollar-for-dollar to reach the $105,000 needed. Former Padres players Tony Gwynn, Steve Finley and Brad Ausmus were part of the original group who joined with team executives in 1995 to develop the program. Botos said Young and Padres pitcher Jake Peavy serve as the most vocal current player advocates for the program. Young and Peavy typically spearhead the meeting to raise funds, although Young said it's not difficult to convey the need for generosity. "I just explain to them that we've been all young guys at one point, and that when we were young guys, we contributed and participated in this program," Young said. "In order for this to carry on to next year's team and the year after that, it's up to them to understand the importance and contribute and carry on its legacy." The selected students only receive their college scholarships if they maintain membership in AVID, meet specified academic requirements and pursue civic involvement during high school. Former Padres Scholars are now pursuing degrees at Harvard, Notre Dame, UCLA and Howard University, among other institutions. "I think it's one of the best charitable causes that we have here with the team," said Young, who graduated from Princeton University. "It gives them something to strive for, and it motivates them." Grant Wilburn, a 13-year-old member of the 2009 Padres Scholars class, said the distinction provided an additional incentive to perform well in high school. Wilburn, an eighth-grader at Pacific Beach Middle School, plans to study business at the University of Miami. "When I found out, I got it in the mail, and I jumped in the air," Wilburn said. "I want to go to a big university. Now I know that I have this money to go to college."Amy Brittain is an associate reporter with MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
