Lexie Melendez​ from Sonora, California

Lexie Melendez was originally born in New York City and raised in Sonora, California.  Growing up, she has always looked up to her parents who showed her the values of perseverance and hard work. Her Father was in the United States Marine Corps and has always showed her structure and perseverance. He also showed Lexie how traveling opens up your mind to be grateful for what you have and to never give up. Lexie’s mother is a generous woman.  She has always given back to the community by volunteering to help underprivileged youth in local school districts, supporting Veterans in crisis, and supporting teens going through mental health issues. As a first generation child in her family to attend a four-year college, Lexie has faced numerous challenges, but her passion never stopped as well as her commitment to her education. Whenever she had struggles, her parents have always shown her that with each struggle there is a lesson to be learned.  Lexie was accepted into California State University Monterey Bay where she will be studying and pursuing her passion in Marine Science . Her hard work and dedication to preserving our oceans was discovered by taking numerous trips throughout her life with her family while visiting the California coast. She’s excited and proud to receive the Major Lucus Gruenther Memorial Scholarship. She plans on using the scholarship throughout her college years to further her education. It fuels her determination to excel in Marine Biology and to make a meaningful impact on others around her, just like Major Lucus Gruenther did in his life while he served as an Air Force Pilot.  Lexie is determined to contribute to the understanding of Marine ecosystems, aiming to make a significant impact in saving our planet for current and future generations and always remembering to live like Luke.