Today started off like any other Thursday for Santa Clara High School senior Damont Hardnett. Little did he know that he was in for a big surprise during his fourth period Leadership class.
Quakes mascot “Q” joined forces with San Jose Earthquakes Community Relations Manager Alison Piergallini, and together they crashed Hardnett’s class and presented him with a $3,000 check for his college education in conjunction with the Bay Area All-Star Scholarship Team (BAASST) Program.
Since 2012, the San Jose Earthquakes have been proud to be a participating member of the BAASST team, joining the other Bay Area sports franchises; the Golden State Warriors, Oakland Athletics, Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants and the San Jose Sharks. Each organization selects one recipient to earn the prestigious college scholarship in hopes to promote goals of higher education in Bay Area classrooms.
Hardnett is the Earthquakes’ third recipient of the award, recognized for being an outstanding and well-rounded student. He has maintained a 3.67 cumulative GPA while excelling on the varsity football, basketball and track and field teams. Currently enrolled in two Advanced Placement (AP) classes, he also serves as the President of the second-largest club on campus, the Black Student Union, and shoulders a major role in his Leadership class as the ASB Athletic Commissioner. On top of all of his classroom duties, he has accumulated over 200 community service hours by volunteering at libraries, retirement homes and schools, all while working a part-time job.
The San Jose Earthquakes and the San Jose Earthquakes Community Fund are proud to honor Damont Hardnett - a promising student who has overcome adversity and financial hardship to become a great example for his peers.
