(Press Release)

China Spring High School senior Luke McConnell was presented with the fifth annual Randy Leasley Scholarship at the school’s awards program Monday night. The $5,000 scholarship is presented to the outstanding China Spring senior who best typifies the kindness, zest for life, work ethic, and willingness to help others displayed by Randy Leasley in his 18 years as a teacher and coach at China Spring High School before his death in a fire at his home Feb. 8, 2004.

“We were wowed by Luke’s drive to squeeze every drop out of life,” RLSF director Luke Gilliam said. “Perhaps most impressive was the way the other finalists spoke of him. That seize-the-day philosophy and ability to connect with people of all interests were two of the many reasons Randy made such a big impact on so many. We believe Luke will do the same.”

Luke is the son of Jim and Susan McConnell, and older brother to Evan and Molly. He attends Columbus Avenue Baptist Church.

Luke finished ranked third in a class of 134 students with a 4.4 grade point average. He has accumulated 21 hours of college credit through dual-credit courses. His academic honors include: Pre-Calculus Award, Dual Credit U.S. History Award, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, ‘A’ Honor Roll every reporting period, U.S. Achievement Academy Service Award Recipient, and Rensselaer Medal Award for Math and Science.

His extracurricular involvement includes: section leader and award-winning trumpet player in the band, choir, vice-president of the National Honor Society, treasurer of the Leo Club, president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, state qualifier in the UIL Social Studies event.

Luke’s volunteer work includes: Relay for Life, Upward Basketball Referee, Church Mission Trips to Michigan, San Antonio and Nicaragua, Highway Cleanup, Canned Food Drive, Storybook Christmas

He plans to attend Oklahoma University.

The RLSF has now distributed $20,000 in scholarships in five years. The organization’s annual fundraiser golf tournament and concert, Leasleypalooza Volume V, will be held June 21, 2008, at The Lake Country Club. All proceeds benefit the RLSF. Complete details are available at www.CoachLealsey.org.