For the fourth consecutive year, a La Cañada High School student-athlete is among those given the CIF Southern Section Champions for Character Award.
Solenn Matuska joins fellow Spartans Seve Rodriguez, Alexi Nazarian and Genevieve Fraipont in receiving the prestigious award.
Athletes, coaches administrators, officials, athletic trainers and media members who demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character — trustworthiness, responsibility, respect, fairness, caring and citizenship — will be honored at a dinner at The Grand in Long Beach on Monday, Sept. 24.
“It’s not just about excelling in your sport,” said LCHS Assistant Principal of Athletics and Discipline Kristina Kalb, who is 4-for-4 in nominating local athletes for the award. “It’s about being the best person you can be and demonstrating that to others in all that you do. Students involved in Champions for Character are performing well in the classroom, in athletic competition and doing more.
“Solenn is a three-sport athlete, playing tennis, soccer and track, and leads by example. She’s supportive of her teammates and classmates.”
Kalb knew she chose the right student when she saw Matuska on Monday. After a full day of school and tennis practice, Matuska rushed to finish her homework so she could watch the LCHS play and support her friends involved in the production.
“She did it because that’s the type of person she is,” Kalb said. “She’s kind, she provides guidance to her team and is the captain of the girls’ tennis team.”
The senior athlete is also a leader in the Athletic Leadership Council, serving as the vice president.
“I’m so proud of her,” Kalb said. “She’s going to do amazing things and has some initiatives that she will bring to the council. I just love that as a senior, she’s still involved and cares.”
