ALEKS MEDRANO
The Medrano family, the Columbus Cardinals and the community at large experienced the sudden loss of a very extraordinary young man.
You couldn’t go a block in Columbus without seeing the “Medrano #62” sign on many front yards.
Aleks was a much-loved son, brother, extended family member, student and football player.
The outpouring of this love was memorialized by the establishment of an Aleks Memorial Scholarship Fund set up in his name. His memory and legacy will live on.
Matt Schobel, head football coach of the Columbus Cardinals, said, “Aleks inspired his teammates to go on to win the State Championship in high school football.” This was the first-ever state championship for the team, and they did the City of Columbus proud.
Schobel went on to say, “Aleks was as good as they come, a great kid and a great teammate. Aleks did everything that was asked of him.
He had a heart of gold and will be missed by all.”
Thanks to the generous outpouring from the community, the Columbus Education Foundation (CEF) has raised roughly $17,000 in donations towards a scholarship in Aleks Medrano’s name, and the fund continues to grow. CEF reached out to his family to find out how they would like to handle the disbursement of this memorial scholarship.
After Aleks parents had given it much thought, decided all the initial funds will be paid out this year.
These scholarships would go to students who are part of Aleks’ class of 2025. They would like the scholarships to go to graduating seniors who want to pursue careers in coaching athletes, careers in the medical profession as either a nurse or a doctor, or students who will continue their education in a trade school.
CEF reached out to CHS defensive coordinator Kenneth Robinson.
Referred to by the athletes as “Coach Rob,” he had this to say about Aleks, “Aleks was the epitome of a great teammate. He never missed practice or let his teammates down. Aleks was unselfish, hard-working, and all about the Cardinals…He was all that rolled into one. He was happy to be such a part of something that was bigger than just himself. He was a humble young man.”
Robinson made this final remark and tribute to Aleks, “You would want your kid to be like Aleks!”
The donations to the Aleks Medrano Memorial Scholarship Fund were raised in a relatively short time.
There is still time for donations to be made that can be added to the Memorial Scholarship Fund. These additional funds will provide more opportunities for graduating Columbus High School students.
If you feel moved to be part of this memorial tribute to #62 Aleks Medrano, please visit www.ColumbusEducationalFoundation. org and go to the “Donate” tab. There you will see an option for the amount of your donation and once you have made that decision, go to the “Dedicate this donation.” Fill in the box with the Aleks Medrano Memorial Scholarship Fund.
You can also donate by check made out to Columbus Education Foundation, Inc., and mail it to 105 Cardinal Lane, Columbus, TX 78934. Make sure to mark it for the Aleks Medrano Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The mission of the Columbus Education Foundation is to build a stronger community by enriching educational benefits through schol arships and classroom grants for special projects to enhance learning in the classroom for students of Columbus Independent School District (CISD). This is accomplished through donations and support from alums, corporations, friends, foundations and others.
Columbus Education Foundation, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in November 2021.
All donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
CEF has no paid employees; all work is performed by volunteers dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young people attending CISD.
