ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
The Grady Fike Memorial Scholarship began in 2009 and has honored graduating El Toro High School students with scholarships to help with the cost of continuing their education. In 2019, the scholarship expanded to help deserving students outside of El Toro High School continue their education.
ABOUT GRADY
Grady grew up all-boy – he was always busy, adventurous, and loved to laugh and have fun! He excelled in Little League, played rec-league hoops, and even tried soccer. At the age of eight, he became a part of the El Toro High School (ETHS) Varsity Football program as a water boy. His dad, a football coach, could not have been prouder. Grady’s connection to ETHS football continued through his high school career as a free safety on the 1995 CIF Championship Team. Grady was a bulwark and defensive team leader during his two years on the varsity team. He was also a solid student and went on to Arizona State for a couple of years. Upon returning to Orange County, Grady worked as a Project Manager at Janning Electric. His future was bright, and he was excelling in his career when he was quite literally struck down at his desk with a collapsed lung.
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A trip to the emergency room, followed by exploratory surgery, revealed that Grady had a rare pediatric cancer – Ewing's Sarcoma. This especially cruel form of bone cancer primarily strikes those under the age of 25. In February 2004, Grady began battling cancer and fighting for his life. Despite numerous rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, the cancer never stopped. With every treatment, he fought through the nausea, pain, fear, hair loss, weight loss, and disorientation, but Grady never gave up!
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On the evening of January 9, 2009, just nine days after his 30th birthday, Grady’s battle with cancer ended. He died in his sleep at Hoag Hospital with his dad, mom, and sister at his bedside. Grady was laid to rest in El Toro Memorial Park, just a few feet from his cherished grandparents.
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Grady fought the ravages of cancer – never asking "why me" or looking for pity – just battling an awful disease with courage and a never-give-up attitude. This scholarship is a result of Grady’s family’s commitment to have something positive to remember and honor his life and his courageous battle with cancer.
PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS
NICOLE HOLIDAY, KHALEB COLEMAN, GELENA OCHOA AND REBECCA PARRILLA
2024
CONTACT US
Mailing Address:
​Grady Fike Memorial Scholarship
22422 Estallens
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
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Bank Address:
​Grady Fike Memorial Scholarship
Account Number 678682
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
PO Box 11958
Santa Ana, CA 92711-1958
MAKE A NOMINATION
This scholarship was founded to recognize students who have distinguished themselves through hard work, overcoming obstacles, and being people of character. The scholarship honors young people who, like Grady, have battled valiantly against great odds and faced life's obstacles with a positive attitude. To be considered for the scholarship, the prospective recipient/nominee must:
Be a graduating senior in the year the award is given.
Be in good standing at ETHS with plans to further their education in a recognized program.
Be recommended for the award by a fellow student, a staff member, teacher, counselor, or administrator.
Agree, before submission of the recommendation, to allow the recommendation to be submitted and the award committee to examine the details within the submitted recommendation.
The person[s] making the nomination must supply a confidential written statement that details the nominee's scholarship qualifications.