The Paso del Norte Community Foundation is proud to recognize Jonah Herd, a senior at Eastwood High School in El Paso, Texas, as the 2026 recipient of the Coach McLain Track and Cross-Country Scholarship—an award that celebrates not only athletic excellence but also the resilience, leadership, and personal growth that the sport of running can inspire.

Established through the generosity of the Spoon family, the scholarship honors the legacy of Coach McLain and supports student-athletes who exemplify perseverance, character, and commitment both on and off the course. Jonah’s journey through cross country and track reflects the spirit of that legacy.

Jonah first discovered competitive cross country early in his high school years and quickly developed a deep connection to the sport. What began as a demanding athletic challenge soon became something more meaningful—an outlet for discipline, focus, and personal growth. Through countless miles of training and competition, he found a sense of purpose and determination that would shape the next several years of his life.

As a varsity runner for Eastwood, Jonah has helped lead his team to multiple regional and state qualifications. Known among teammates for his work ethic and commitment, he has embraced the responsibility of leadership, encouraging younger runners and helping foster a culture of support within the program. Coaches and teammates alike recognize him as someone who leads by example—through persistence in training, dedication to improvement, and a willingness to uplift those around him.

Alongside his athletic accomplishments, Jonah has maintained strong academic performance and taken on leadership roles within his school community. The lessons he has learned through running—discipline, accountability, and resilience—have influenced how he approaches challenges in both the classroom and life.

Jonah often reflects on how the cross-country program at Eastwood became a place where he found encouragement, mentorship, and the motivation to pursue his goals. Through the support of his coaches and teammates, he developed a renewed sense of direction and confidence in what he could achieve.

With the support of the Coach McLain Scholarship, Jonah plans to pursue higher education while continuing to run at the collegiate level. Looking ahead, he hopes to build a career in law, focusing on advocacy and justice. He is motivated by a desire to use his experiences to encourage others—particularly young people who may be facing challenges of their own—to recognize their potential and pursue positive paths forward.

The Paso del Norte Community Foundation is honored to support Jonah as he takes the next step in his academic and athletic journey. His story reflects the lasting impact that dedicated mentors, supportive teammates, and the discipline of sport can have in shaping strong leaders for the future.