For many, grief cripples and hinders. However, there are those who choose to turn tragedy into triumph. That is exactly what the family of William Wardrip has done.

William Wardrip was only 16 when he was tragically killed in a car accident in 2009. He was both a scholar and an athlete at Santa Fe Christian High School. Recognizing the importance of a Christian education and wanting to preserve his memory, and especially “his smile,” his family established the William Wardrip Foundation.

Last year the foundation awarded scholarships to four students at Santa Fe Christian; this year, they have extended their generosity and also awarded four students here. In choosing students, they look for students “who embody Will’s joyful spirit, vibrant personality, academic perseverance, and Christ-driven heart.” The foundation generously gave $2500 scholarships to four students: Isaiah Briggs (’15), Tim Wolf (’14), Ashley Abrams (’13), and senior Spencer Soto. The foundation expects three things of the recipients: “work hard, be kind, and take advantage of all that Tri-City Christian has to offer.” The families were grateful and humbled. “This was such a blessing, especially as parents, to get to meet his [Will’s] parents.

"I was thrilled that I got the chance to see the love in their eyes; it was overwhelming. The finances will certainly help, but the greatest blessing was meeting this family,” said Ashley’s father, Lester Abrams. The students and families appreciate both the honor of receiving the scholarship and having the opportunity to continue living Will’s legacy. Senior Spencer Soto said, “It meant a lot to me that Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Gilbert thought of me. I was really astonished.

I am proud to be able to represent Will with my life; he had such a godly character, and I’m super happy to represent him through my life. I hope to be half the man he was because he stood for so much.” To continue the legacy of the Wardrip family, these students will now hopefully live lives in the same spirit of their generosity and triumph.