Alejandro Duarte was awarded the Ken Gerdes III Memorial Foundation Leadership Award on Sunday at the Illinois Wrestling Coaches Officials Association Banquet in Alsip, Ill. Duarte received a check for $1,000 to use towards his college education.
Attending the banquet on Sunday were his parents, Carmelo and Nubia Duarte; Kewanee head wrestling Coach Charley Eads; and KHS Athletic Director Tim Atwell.
The Ken Gerdes III Memorial Foundation was established by his parents and family to support Illinois wrestlers and wrestling groups at all competitive levels. The donations made in Ken’s honor and continued support through fundraising efforts allows the foundation to carry out the contributions he intended to make to the Illinois wrestling community.
As part of this effort the foundation will again award five $1,000 leadership awards to students who plan to continue their education (post high-school wrestling is not required).
This Leadership Award is based on leadership in school and community. It is not based on need or transcripts.
