Jesus Figueroa named Scholar Athlete of the Year

The Shafter Generals' Jesus Figueroa added to his accolades last week as the Central Section's Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Figueroa was named to the South Sequoia League's First Team for his prowess on the champion Shafter High Generals football team. He also excels in track and field, competing in running and jumping events, just missing qualifying for the State Track Meet this weekend in Clovis.

Figueroa is not only a star on the field and track. He is also a star in the classroom. He was honored at the recent Shafter High Senior Awards with 11 scholarships, including the Bakersfield College Scholarship, the CIF Central Section Scholarship and the Fred Houston Memorial Scholarship.

He is also in the top four students in his class based on grade point average.

Figueroa was an essential part of the champion Shafter High football team, a contributor on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

Figueroa represents one of the hardest-working high school student-athletes within the California Interscholastic Federation, demonstrating academic excellence, leadership and good citizenship.

At the May 6 awards dinner in Tulare, 44 student athletes were awarded a minimum of $500 in scholarships by the Central Section.

To qualify for these scholarships, students must be a graduating senior, have participated in at least one varsity sport for two years, displayed good citizenship in school and volunteer activities, and carry a 3.5 minimum unweighted GPA. Many of these students have been involved in honors classes and extracurricular activities, and even held jobs that helped their families throughout high school.

Crystal Creamery has been a sponsor of the CIF since 2012, providing both financial support for student athletes and milk to fuel athletic performance and recovery.