On Wednesday, April 17, Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning will give the 18 to 88 Scholarship to Westminster High School student Ceezer Garcia for overcoming adversity in life to make the most of his potential. It’s given in honor of the late Bronco wide receiver Demaryius Thomas who, like Ceezer, grew up in difficult circumstances.

 

The award comes with a $10,000 scholarship which will allow Ceezer to attend Metropolitan State University. Ceezer, who plays football and baseball, for the Westminster Wolves will be the first in his family to graduate from high school and the first to attend college.

 

“My mom broke out in tears when I called to tell her I won the award,” Ceezer recalled. “Things will get better if you do what you are supposed to do and stick with it.”

 

Manning announced the scholarship in 2022 saying he was honored to be a part of a program to remember the legacy of his friend, Demaryius Thomas. "… D.T. was a special teammate and special person. On the field, he was the most unselfish person and teammate I ever played with. He always put the team before himself. He also was a great, great man off the field,” he said.