Keim family gives AHS athlete $1,000 scholarship
Keims hope to start foundation to send more student-athletes to college
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Staff Writer

John Solewin

UPPER FREEHOLD - A local family continues to recognize a tradition of excellence in Allentown High School's athletes.

The Keim family, of Upper Freehold, recently awarded former senior John Solewin its $1,000 Kenneth G. Keim Jr. Scholarship Award. The family presents the award annually to a deserving male athlete who displays leadership and sportsmanship qualities and plans on advancing his education in either a two- or four-year vocational/technical school or college/university.

The scholarship award was created in memory of Kenneth G. Keim Jr., who died in an automobile accident Sept. 25, 2005, at the age of 22.

"He is remembered as an exceptionally talented athlete with a big heart," his mother, Roberta, said.

Keim graduated from Allentown High School in 2002. While there, he participated in the school's wrestling program, earning numerous varsity letters and helping lead the team as a captain. He ultimately became a regional champ in the sport and earned the team's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Kenny Keim

Keim's family believes sports allowed Kenneth to realize his potential. With hope that Keim's spirit will live on to influence others, the family established the memorial scholarship fund through the high school's guidance department.

Solewin was selected as the second recipient of the award based on a 500-word essay describing how his involvement in sports has helped him face challenges or overcome adversities in his life.

"It has been a pleasure getting to know John as a well-mannered and considerate young man, and to be reminded of Kenny," Roberta Keim said. "Knowing that Kenny's spirit lives on through each new year's recipient is just great."

At the high school, Solewin participated in track and field. As a runner and team captain, he competed in cross-country along with winter and spring track.

"Through sports I have learned focus, perseverance, the importance of teamwork and leadership skills," Solewin said. "I have also learned that each person has the opportunity - if they take it - to find success."

Solewin said running gave him an outlet for some of his academic challenges and that each race provided him a new beginning and a chance to do well, just as each school assignment or test allowed him another opportunity to succeed.

"The perseverance to do well in my classes was developed while I was running," he said. "The skills that I have learned through sports have helped me deal with academic challenges and will help me throughout my life."

Solewin said receiving the Keim award was a great honor.

"My family and I appreciate the monetary award, which will help me with my tuition at Cabrini College," he said.

Solewin currently attends Cabrini College in Radnor, Pa., where he is pursuing a career in teaching.

"I will work hard as a student-athlete to honor Kenneth Keim's memory," Solewin said. "I am grateful for the Keim family's confidence in me."

Keim said that her son had wished to attend college.

"Although his dream had not been realized, he would be proud knowing that today his undying effort and deep commitment to the sport of wrestling would be recognized and remembered as the force which will preserve his family's legacy to bring student-athletes to college," Keim said.

The Keim family is also in the process of setting up a foundation in hopes of sending more student-athletes to college, according to Keim.

Those who would like to contribute to the scholarship fund can send checks, made payable to the Kenneth G. Keim Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, to Allentown High School, c/o Guidance Department, 27 High St., Allentown, NJ 08501.