Whitney Lugo, a 2019 graduate of Kauai High School, pot a last-minute surprise Tuesday evening at the Kauai High School gym where practices for fall sports peppered the air with sounds of excitement.
“Jerry loved sports,” said Maxine Correa, the widow of Jerry Correa. “He excelled in track and ran practices on this very track during the years 1953, 1954, 1955 and 1956. The track meets were held in Kekaha on cinders. During that time, he ran sprints, hurdles, and loved the 880 yards, and the mile. He made lifelong friends, and respected those who competed against him, often speaking of those fond memories.”
Jerry Correa passed away in October, and in his memory, and to honor his love of sports, his family put together a small scholarship — the Jerry Joseph Correa Sr. scholarship — that was presented to Lugo in the presence of Kauai High School assistant athletic director and cross country coach Marissa Purcell.
“We apologize for the lateness of this presentation,” Maxine Correa said. “But after Jerry’s passing, the family got together and put this together. They said they will continue to add to the fund so future scholarships can be presented.”
Lugo, who will be heading to Eastern Washington next week with a major in technical design, was speechless as he clasped the commemorative T-shirt and scholarship plaque.
“I thought I would try track when I was in middle school,” said Lugo, who starred in high school football, soccer and track. “But I wasn’t fast until I took off my shoes and ran.”
Maxine Correa said Jerry Correa also believed strongly in education, and the scholarship was created and presented to a person who exemplifies him.
That person should have a passion for track and field, contribute through service projects and volunteering, be a leader to underclassmen, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and have maintained a grade point average to where he/she is accepted to college.
“This scholarship is very special to the Correa family,” Maxine Correa said.
“Your acceptance of this scholarship means you hold true to the values of leadership, community involvement, sportsmanship, and furthering your education. Jerry always did the best for his family, and believed that furthering your education will help you grow as an individual. He would be very happy if this scholarship could be used to further your education.”
Lugo was humble in accepting the honor.
“I’m truly grateful,” he said. “I am thankful for the support of my family — my parents Martin and Tese Lugo — for pushing me on even in those times I didn’t want to.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
