2016 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

The Isaac Bruce Foundation has announced the winners of the 2016 Isaac Bruce Foundation Scholarships in St. Louis and Fort Lauderdale.  The St. Louis scholarship in the amount of $5,000 presented by Ameren Corporation was awarded to Zoe Griffin of McKinley Classical Leadership Academy.  The Fort Lauderdale scholarship in the amount of $2,500 was awarded to Tomislav Balenovic from Broward County Public Schools.  The University of Memphis scholarship in the amount of $2,500 was awarded to Kiera Aycock.

Bruce started the scholarship program in St. Louis in 2008 after playing for the St. Louis Rams for 14 seasons.  He then expanded the program in 2009 to include his hometown of Fort Lauderdale and the college in which he earned his degree, the University of Memphis.  Zoe Griffin was selected from a competitive applicant pool of applications from St. Louis area high schools.  She will be attending Hampton University next year. The Fort Lauderdale scholarship is targeted at graduating seniors from Broward County Public Schools, his former high school district.  The winner of that scholarship, Tomislav Balenovic, will be attending Florida State University this fall.  Kiera Aycock is currently enrolled at University of Memphis.

In order to apply for the scholarships, students must be college bound high school senior and must have minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale).  The application included a typewritten personal essay (500 words or less) on “How the Isaac Bruce Foundation Scholarship Will Assist Me in Fulfilling My College Goals”, student biography, academic record of achievement, personal recommendation from two sources, and proof of acceptance and enrollment at an accredited college or vocational school.

As a senior at Dillard High School in Florida, Isaac Bruce was active in his community and school.  His grades were not high enough to qualify for most scholarships but he knew he wanted to further his education.  He attended West Los Angeles College and Santa Monica College before transferring to Memphis State in 1992 on a football scholarship and went on to have a successful career. 

Isaac epitomizes greatness both on and off the field.  Off the field, Isaac is one of the classiest and most giving athletes in the NFL.  Isaac truly makes a difference in people’s lives through his work with local schools and by donating his time and money to various charitable causes.  He launched the Isaac Bruce Foundation in 2006 which focuses on health, wellness, nutrition, fitness and education.  Through his foundation, Isaac reaches out to youth and teaches them at an early age the importance of a healthy lifestyle with an emphasis on education.  It is Isaac’s hope that these scholarships will afford graduates the opportunity to further their post-secondary education.