SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Quinn Hartman of Marina High School and Keryssa Li of Milpitas High School were selected as the 2024 CIF Scholar-Athletes of the Year, presented by Sutter Health. Since 1982, the scholarship award has identified student-athletes who excel in the classroom, athletics, and are strong contributors to their schools and communities. Hartman and Li will be recognized at the State Capitol in Sacramento on May 30, and each will receive a $10,000 scholarship.
“Keryssa’s and Quinn’s dedication and hard work in the classroom and on the field are exemplary and thoroughly deserving of this prestigious honor,” said CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti. “Congratulations to these exceptional student-athletes and all the nominees who have demonstrated excellence in education-based athletics.”
Quinn Hartman, Marina High School, Huntington Beach (Southern Section)
Hartman is a three-sport athlete at Marina High School serving as team captain of the soccer, cross country, and baseball teams. His extensive involvement and achievements at MHS are truly impressive serving as a Freshman Mentor, President of the Science National Honors Society, Vice President of CSF, and a member of the National Honors Society, along with being the founding and Executive Board member of the Medical Career Club and Founder and President of the Marina Math Club. Additionally, receiving the 2023 Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, the 2022 AP Scholar Award, and being recognized as a 2023 AP Scholar with Distinction further highlight his dedication to learning and achievement. Additionally, Hartman's community service as an Aquarium of the Pacific Bilingual Exhibit Interpreter, Youth Baseball Assistant Coach, Youth Soccer Coach, and Referee showcases his commitment to giving back and making a positive impact.
“I remember when I received my first five on an AP exam, hit my first home run, scored the perfect goal in a championship soccer match, and broke my personal record for my three-mile time. It wasn't about winning or success, necessarily; it was about setting a goal and working hard to achieve it,” states Hartman. “My parents, along with my teachers and coaches, guide me to just do my personal best, share a common vision and goal, and help others. The perfect scores, titles, and trophies are great, but my joy comes from the journey, effort, commitment, and hard work to get to that responsible position.”
- College: California Institute of Technology
- Primary Sport: Baseball and Soccer
Keryssa Li, Milpitas High School (Central Coast Section)
Li is captain of the cross country team and participates in track at Milpitas High School. As President of the Math Club, math competition participant and proctor, a three-time qualifier for the American Invitational Mathematics Exam, two-time AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Finalist, member of the Chinese Club, and Board Director of LEO, her accomplishments are remarkable. Li's initiative in founding and leading Sage Education, a nonprofit providing educational services for students K-12, is admirable. Her efforts in recruiting and training tutors, engaging students across multiple school districts and states, including Canada, and securing donations reflect a strong commitment to education and her community. Additionally, she plays four instruments, piano, clarinet, violin, and ukulele.
“Being in athletics has taught me that only thinking about yourself will never take you far. Giving back to your community expands your own potential for growth. I see my team as a family working toward the same goal, so I find meaning in every interaction,” states Li. “…Sportsmanship in the form of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, fairness, and citizenship can be applied to every sector in life, and I aspire to leave lasting impacts both on and off the track.”
- College: University of California, Berkeley
- Primary Sport: Cross Country