Four Eastwood High School seniors are continuing their education with support from the Jim Omohundro Courageous Leadership Award and Scholarship, which honors students who lead with integrity, perseverance, and character.

Established by Ryan Omohundro in memory of his father, Jim Omohundro, the scholarship recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate courageous leadership on and off the track. This year’s recipients, Madison McGuire, Oscar Lopez Jr., Jasmine Vasquez, and Job DeSantos, received a combined $40,000 in scholarship support to help them pursue their college and career goals.

Each recipient brings a different story, but all four reflect the qualities the scholarship was created to celebrate: resilience through adversity, commitment to others, and the courage to keep moving forward when the path is difficult.

For Job DeSantos, leadership has been shaped by consistency, discipline, and service to his teammates. A varsity captain in both track and field and cross country, Job maintained a 4.0 GPA while balancing the demands of athletics, academics, and volunteer work. He describes courageous leadership as showing up with strength and integrity even when circumstances are uncomfortable or uncertain. Through early-morning practices, long runs, and the responsibility of encouraging younger runners, he learned that leadership is not defined by a title but by the example one sets for others.

Madison McGuire’s journey has also been marked by perseverance. A varsity cross country captain and track athlete, Madison overcame a hip injury that sidelined her during a critical part of her high school running career. With support from teammates and coaches, she continued training in new ways and ultimately returned to competition, earning her place on varsity and setting personal records. Her experience taught her how to lead with empathy and encouragement, especially for teammates facing their own obstacles. Madison plans to carry those lessons into her future as she pursues a career in health care.

Oscar Lopez Jr. embodies courageous leadership through compassion, purpose, and a commitment to creating opportunity for others. A top student, track captain, and active leader in organizations including National Honor Society, DECA, FBLA, and community service programs, Oscar has faced profound personal challenges while continuing to excel academically and athletically. Through track, he found confidence, community, and a renewed belief in his ability to grow beyond limits. His goal is to use his education in business, accounting, and finance to support families and young people in border communities like the one that raised him.

Jasmine Vasquez discovered leadership through effort, accountability, and the courage to begin again. After joining track later in high school, she worked diligently to earn the trust of her coaches and teammates, often practicing on her own and putting in extra time to improve. A varsity cheerleader and track athlete, Jasmine learned that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about setting a standard through attitude, discipline, and follow-through. Her experience helped her build confidence and deepen her commitment to a future in nursing, physical therapy, or medicine.

Together, these four students represent the heart of the Jim Omohundro Courageous Leadership Award and Scholarship. They have led through injury, loss, self-doubt, responsibility, and personal growth. They have encouraged teammates, served their schools and communities, and demonstrated the kind of character that leaves a lasting impact.

Through this scholarship, the Omohundro family continues to honor Jim’s legacy while investing in young leaders who are determined to make a difference. The award not only provides financial support for college but also affirms the values that shaped Jim’s life and continue to inspire future generations: courage, humility, perseverance, and service to others.

As Madison, Oscar, Jasmine, and Job take their next steps beyond Eastwood High School, they carry with them more than athletic accomplishments and academic success. They carry the lessons of courageous leadership and the opportunity to use them to strengthen their communities for years to come.