Ava Estes is the first recipient of the Chris Eaton Memorial Scholarship

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) – The Chris Eaton Foundation has officially announced the first recipient of the Chris Eaton Memorial Scholarship: Ava Estes of Cibola High School. Estes was captain of the Cibola girls soccer team, MVP, All-Star and All-State selection, and one of two Cibola valedictorian of 2024. Estes is the first recipient of the Memorial Scholarship and will receive $10,000 toward her education.

“You know, I’m incredibly honored and grateful to be the first recipient of this scholarship. It’s really been a blessing. The scholarship and the foundation just make sure that Coach Eaton’s legacy lives on. It’s just great to be a part of that,” Estes said.

Ava was selected from a group of 25 outstanding applicants from high schools across Albuquerque. With the goal of becoming a neonatal surgeon, Ava will attend medical school at the University of Miami to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. In addition to her academic and athletic achievements, Ava volunteered in the neonatal and pediatric wards at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center. She also volunteered with Seed2Need, a nonprofit that aims to fight hunger by growing produce for local food banks. Ava proved to be a perfect fit for this scholarship.

“She is a clear winner and we are keen to have her as part of the family and the Chris Eaton Foundation. We know she will be an excellent advocate,” said Michael Eaton, Chris Eaton’s brother and foundation president.

Michael is excited to continue his brother’s mission and help local student-athletes. The Chris Eaton Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness of mental, physical, and emotional health issues and resources, and Michael looks forward to seeing the foundation grow and help more and more people in the future.

“You know some of the improvements we’re going to make to the scholarship next year. I think we’re going to have several winners that have been talked about. You know, I really want to see the foundation as a health epidemic and I want to partner with these companies and the government to help our kids live as healthy lives as possible. That’s ultimately the goal,” said Michael Eaton.

Click this link to learn more about the Chris Eaton Foundation.