The Bryce Moore Memorial Scholarship honors Orange Lutheran students who reflect Bryce’s legacy of perseverance, strong character, and academic dedication. This year, three students have been selected whose lives reflect those qualities in meaningful and distinct ways.

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Jacob Aguilar
Bryce Moore Memorial Scholarship Recipient

In the summer of 2023, Jacob Aguilar returned home from a goalkeeper training camp expecting rest and familiarity. Instead, he stepped into a season that would change his family overnight.

What had been a family of four became a family of three.

In the midst of confusion and hurt, Jacob found himself carrying more than most students his age. For a time, even home no longer felt the same. But in that uncertainty, two places remained steady: the field and his faith community.

On the field, Jacob continued pursuing his passion as a goalkeeper, where discipline and focus gave him a place to press forward. Off the field, he stayed rooted in his church, showing up week after week and deepening his faith. That same summer, he stepped into leadership, delivering a message on perseverance and sincere love, words that were shaping his own life in real time.

“Everything I knew had been turned upside down,” Jacob shared. “But two things remained steady: my love for the game and my church community.”

That perseverance has continued to define his time at Orange Lutheran.

Despite ongoing challenges, including financial hardship and family strain, Jacob has remained steadfast in his commitment to his team, academics, and community. As a varsity goalkeeper, he has embraced responsibility and leadership, while in the classroom, he consistently demonstrates discipline and ownership of his learning.

More than anything, those around him point to how he carries himself.

“You would never know he has been through so much,” shared Coach Mike Oseguera. “His attitude and work ethic are infectious, making those around him better.”

That quiet strength is also evident in the choices he has made. When presented with opportunities to pursue soccer elsewhere, Jacob chose to remain close to his family, especially his younger sister.

“He is her rock, her protector,” Oseguera added.

In the classroom and across campus, that same character continues to stand out.

“Jacob exemplifies Christian character in both word and action,” shared theology teacher Ariana Esswein. “He does not withdraw during difficulty. Instead, he leans in by encouraging others and holding himself to a high standard.”

Even in the face of adversity, Jacob continues to invest in others, remain present in the community, and trust in God’s provision. His life reflects a maturity and resilience that extend far beyond his years.

 

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Sophie Bevacqua
Bryce Moore Memorial Scholarship Recipient

For Sophie Bevacqua, life changed in an instant.

During her sophomore year, a head injury sustained in a tennis match led to ongoing and debilitating post-concussion symptoms. What began as a single moment became a daily reality marked by chronic pain, medical appointments, and an uncertain path forward.

“The injury greatly affected my life and identity,” Sophie shared. “Everyday tasks became obstacles, and my focus shifted simply to finding relief and learning how to move forward.”

At the same time, her family was walking through another difficult season as her mother faced a battle with cancer. Together, these challenges reshaped nearly every part of her life.

Yet even in that uncertainty, Sophie chose to keep going.

Her perseverance is marked not only by endurance, but by quiet determination. Despite reduced time on campus, extended medical care, and the need to step away from tennis, she has continued to pursue her education with purpose, maintaining strong academic performance and remaining engaged in the life of the school.

“She faces adversity every day and continues to excel,” shared teacher Jorden Martinez. “She comes to class with a smile and a positive attitude that is contagious to those around her.”

That same commitment extends beyond the classroom.

Sophie has remained actively involved in student leadership, serving on ASB and stepping forward to run for ASB President, an act that reflects both courage and a deep investment in the OLu community.

Her impact is also seen in the way she continues to serve others. Through volunteer work supporting women with disabilities and consistent involvement in her church community, Sophie lives out her faith in both word and action.

Those who have walked closely with her point to the way she carries both challenge and responsibility.

“Even though her injury has been life-altering, she has not allowed it to change her pursuit of her goals,” shared counselor Elizabeth Heim. “She continues to push through incredible pain, remains devoted to her education, and stays deeply engaged in the life of the Orange Lutheran community.”

But at the center of her story is something deeper.

In the midst of fear, pain, and uncertainty, Sophie has learned to place her trust in God.

“I learned to surrender my fear and lean into His strength,” she shared. “My prayers became conversations, and I began each day with gratitude.”

That faith has sustained her through long days and difficult setbacks, shaping a resilience that continues to grow.

Her journey is not defined by what was taken away, but by the strength, courage, and hope she has chosen in response.

 

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Keira Howell
Bryce Moore Memorial Scholarship Recipient

For Keira Howell, perseverance has not been defined by a single season, but by a lifetime of challenges she did not choose.

Born with a rare and incurable auto-inflammatory disease called Blau Syndrome, Keira has spent her life navigating the realities of chronic illness. As a result of her underlying condition, she also developed POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome). These conditions affect her daily life in ways that are often unseen by others. Pain is a constant companion, and even the simplest routines require strength and adjustment.

Yet amid that reality, Keira continues to move forward.

Her perseverance is not loud, but it is steady.

Despite frequent medical treatments, missed days, and a highly modified academic schedule, Keira has maintained a GPA above 4.0 while taking honors and AP coursework. When she is unable to be on campus, she finds ways to remain engaged, even joining class remotely so she does not fall behind.

“I’ve been living in a season of challenge for most of my life,” she shared. “Pain is part of my everyday baseline, but I try to walk through every season with God.”

“She has even FaceTimed into class through a friend just so she could be part of the lecture,” shared teacher Angela Wingert. “She is an impressive young woman and has been a joy to get to know.”

That commitment reflects more than academic discipline. It reveals a deep desire to stay connected to a community she values.

Even with the limitations imposed by her health, Keira continues to invest in others. As co-president of Voices for Her, she helps lead service efforts that support women in need, organizing fundraisers and care packages that extend care beyond her own efforts.

Those who know her best point not only to what she does, but also how she carries herself.

“She consistently chooses gratitude, growth, and engagement,” shared counselor Doug Erickson. “Her faith is evident through the peace, resilience, and hope she displays in adversity.”

That faith has been a constant anchor.

Rather than asking why, Keira has learned to trust in God’s presence through both the hardest days and the moments of relief. She speaks honestly with Him, both in frustration and in gratitude, choosing to walk forward with quiet confidence in His plan.

Her story is not defined by limitation, but by the strength she shows within it.

 

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Each of these students has faced challenges that have shaped their path in different ways. Yet through every circumstance, they have demonstrated perseverance, strength of character, and a deep trust in God.

In doing so, they reflect the legacy of Bryce Moore—one marked not simply by what he endured, but by the way he chose to live.

And through this scholarship, that legacy continues to inspire others to live with purpose, resilience, and faith. If you are interested in learning more about the scholarship or would like to donate, please visit lhsoc.org/athletics/bmms