Two Menlo School students win scholarships named for Chris Zider Two Menlo School students win scholarships named for Chris Zider (March 23, 2005)

By Marjorie Mader

Almanac Staff Writer

Two students at Menlo School -- Angie McPhaul and Andy Gregg -- are winners of the Chris Zider Scholarship. Each will receive $15,000.

They were chosen from a pool of applicants, narrowed down to eight finalists, after completing an application process and interviews with scholarship board members.

This is the 12th year the scholarships have been awarded in memory of Chris Zider of Portola Valley, who lost his life in a snowboarding accident at Lake Tahoe in 1992 when he was a sophomore at Woodside High School.

The six other finalists were: Jessica Foley, Menlo School; Karley Marty and Elyse Moore, Menlo-Atherton; Taylor Franklin, St. Francis High School; Dorian Bertsch, Gunn High School; and Christopher "Jake" Martin, Palo Alto High School.

Chris' parents, Cheryl and Bob Zider, their family and friends established the scholarship program, which recognizes Midpeninsula sophomores who give their best in the classroom, on playing fields and in the community. Award winners exemplify the values, character and qualities that Chris had, including an infectious enthusiasm for life, said his parents. The awards are based on merit, not financial need.
Winners

Winners Angie and Andy have participated in team sports at Menlo School and community service. They both plan to go to a four-year college.

Angie plays on Menlo's varsity water polo team that won the Central Coast Section championship last November. She also swims on the varsity team.

Angie's big project now is working with the student council and other students to raise $24,800 for the tsunami relief effort. She represents Interact, the school's community service organization, in this project.

Andy, a quarterback on the school football team, now is playing on the baseball team.

He came up with the idea of a drive to provide "care packages" for soldiers in Iraq, and organized the project. A student of the piano since second grade, he has a continuing interest in playing.

The top prizes -- one for a girl and one for a boy -- may be used in a variety of ways during the next six years. The funds can be used for high school or college tuition, or for education-related living expenses or activities, such as taking a summer course on a college campus.
Finalists

Jessica Foley, an accomplished photographer, plays volleyball at Menlo and coaches a team of fifth-grade girls.

Karley Marty was named Menlo-Atherton's most valuable varsity basketball player. She's also on the cross-country team and sings in a church choir.

Elyse Moore plays soccer at Menlo-Atherton, was captain of the team and was named most inspirational player. She started the "Authors Anonymous Club" at M-A, and plays violin in the Peninsula Youth Orchestra.

Taylor Franklin of Portola Valley is on the varsity track and field team at St. Francis High School and was named one of the Valley's top teen athletes by San Jose Magazine. She holds the highest prep pole vaulting jump in the Central Coast Section division.

Dorian Bertsch plays on the junior varsity basketball team and golf team at Gunn High School, and also plays AYSO soccer. He's a member of the Gunn band and orchestra.

Christopher "Jake" Martin participates in the Special Friendship Club at Palo Alto High School and volunteers at the Palo Alto Food Closet. His sports are baseball and golf.
INFORMATION

The deadline to apply for Chris Zider scholarships is March 25. All high school sophomores who live in Portola Valley, Woodside, Menlo Park, Atherton, East Palo Alto, Palo Alto or Stanford, or attend Woodside High or Menlo School, may apply for the $15,000 award. Applications are available in the schools' counseling offices or from the Beta Group at 233-8700. Semifinalists will submit a full application, similar to those used by university admission officers, and will be interviewed by members of the scholarship fund board. Winners will be announced in the fall.

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