Whittell senior wins Gene Upshaw Memorial Scholarhip

Whittell High School senior Daria Sharon was announced as the recipient for the seventh annual Gene Upshaw Scholarship Award at this year’s American Century Championship.

Her academic achievements and dedication to sports and community service made her the premier candidate to earn this scholarship, valued at $5,000.

"It's just an incredible honor to be associated with such a great man as Mr. Upshaw was," said Daria. "I didn't know him, but I could just tell what an incredible man he was through his accomplishments and all of his achievements. He was a great leader on and off the field."

NBC Sports and Edgewood Companies both contribute equally to the scholarship, which is awarded to individuals possessing characteristics of leadership, community service, and academic excellence. Terri Upshaw, Gene’s widow, was at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course to present the award. Initiated in memory of NFL Hall of Famer and longtime NFLPA Executive Director Gene Upshaw, the scholarship assists the ongoing education of young leaders.

As an incoming senior, Ms. Sharon has maintained a 4.0 cumulative GPA throughout the past three years, while taking multiple Advanced Placement classes. She has actively participated in her high school sports program, playing on the soccer, softball, and basketball teams. Her hard work and dedication this past year earned her the title of All-State Defensive MVP. Her student body and leadership abilities resulted in Daria being elected as next year’s Student Body Vice President.

“Gene was about supporting other’s accomplishments rather than his own,” said Terri Upshaw. “He would be extremely proud to have his name linked to this scholarship.”

Gene Upshaw (1945-2008) was a popular nine-time participant in the annual celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course each summer.

Upshaw was a part-time resident for more than 30 years at his second home in North Lake Tahoe. In 2009, the Gene Upshaw Memorial Fund was created by Terri Upshaw; since then, the fund has raised nearly 1 million for pancreatic cancer research, and traumatic brain injury-quality medical treatment and care for cancer patients and their families, sustainability and advancement of medical technology. The fund supports the Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation, as well as the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center, which opened in 2012, and the Tahoe Institute for Rural Health Research.

In 1987, after playing with the Oakland Raiders, Gene Upshaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As an executive director for the National Football League Players’ Association until his passing, Upshaw was known for his honesty, hard work and attention to the well-being of his players and everyone around him.

After Upshaw’s passing, NBC Sports and Edgewood Companies collaborated and established the scholarship to honor Upshaw’s life, work and connection to the Lake Tahoe community.

“This scholarship was created to ensure that Gene’s legacy would live on,” said Gary Quinn, vice president of programming and owned properties for NBC Sports. “It gives the community a way to remember Gene’s great leadership as a community member and in his career.”

“Participating in the Gene Upshaw Scholarship Award aligns with the focus of Edgewood Companies’ charitable programs; to support youth and education,” said Bryan Davis, Marketing Director.