Annalysia Maez found a way to survive and then thrive during the challenges of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been named the recipient of the 2021 Randy E Roybal Foundation $1,000 scholarship.

The award is given in memory of Randy Roybal, who attended Ranum High School during the 1990s and died at the young age of 19. In his memory, his family created the scholarship to “Advocate for equity, social justice and human flourishing.”

Annalysia wrote an essay describing the difficulties she encountered during the height of the pandemic which was described as tough and mentally taxing. She persevered and is now performing above grade level. With her family in attendance, she was honored at the December Board of Education meeting.

Randy’s mother, Deb said the purpose of the scholarship is to prompt 8th-grade students to think about the future and their role in it and focus on what is possible after high school. “One way of responding in this troubled world is to live as a breathing example of Randy’s love, positivity and impact on the planet,” she said.

Board President, Ken Ciancio knew Randy and recalled him as someone with “A smile as big as the world who was a good athlete, but more importantly a good person.”

Annalysia’s scholarship will be held for her until after graduation from high school. The funds will then go directly to the school or trade program she enters.

Applications for the 2022 scholarship are now available with a submission deadline of February 26.