ELI KANE SPIRIT AWARD

An annual award presented to a Berkeley High School Junior or Senior who best represents the spirit, qualities and character of Eli Kane.

2024 NOMINATIONS CLOSED

AWARD DETAILS

  • The Eli Kane Spirit Award is given to a Berkeley High School Junior or Senior, who best represents the qualities and characteristics of Eli Kane, including:

    Empathetic leader, compassionate listener and lover of life.

    Genuinely sees people for who they are, creating meaningful connections with every interaction.

    Does the little things that make people happy through kindness, positivity and generosity.

    Always gives 100% effort.

    Curious, confident and loves to learn.

    Spreads joy and laughter by being their authentic self.

    All nominees will be recognized and one (1) student will be selected and receive a $5,000 cash award from the Eli Kane Fund.

  • Nominees must be a current 2023-2024 Berkeley High School Junior or Senior.

    STEP ONE: NOMINATIONS

    Berkeley High administrators, teachers, coaches, counselors, staff as well as fellow classmates can nominate any current Berkeley High School Junior or Senior.

    Additionally, coaches, counselors, teachers, instructors, tutors, friends, teammates, employers outside of Berkeley High School may also nominate a student (e.g, sports club coaches, extra-curricular activity coaches/teachers, counselors, friend, etc.) The only restriction is that immediate family member nominations not accepted.

    You can nominate more than one student.

    Nomination deadline: Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 11pm

    STEP TWO: NOMINEES

    Students who have been nominated will be contacted directly by the Eli Kane Fund via email the week of March 11, 2024, and asked to participate and if interested, complete a submission form.

    The form will include questions for the nominee to answer that best represents who they are.

    Nominees may choose to answer submission form questions via video.

    Deadline for nominees to submit their submission form: Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 11:00pm

    STEP THREE: SELECTION OF WINNER

    The Eli Kane Fund advisory committee will select one (1) student as the winner of the Eli Kane Spirit Award.

  • 2024 Nominations are closed.

    Note: If you are having trouble accessing the google submission form, please email scottjkane@gmail.com and we will send you submission questions via email.

    Berkeley High School administrators, teachers, coaches, tutors, staff as well as fellow classmates can nominate any current Berkeley High School Junior or Senior.

    Additionally, coaches, counselors, teachers, teammates, tutors, friends outside of Berkeley High School may also nominate a student (e.g, sports club coaches, extra-curricular activity coaches/teachers, etc.) Anyone who has a relationship with a current BHS Junior or Senior can nominate. Immediate family member nominations not accepted.

    Award Criteria

    We are looking for a Berkeley High School student who best represents the spirit, qualities and character of BHS alumni Eli Kane, including:

    An engaged, respectful and kind citizen of Berkeley High School both inside and outside the classroom.

    Empathetic leader, compassionate listener and lover of life.

    Genuinely sees people for who they are, creating meaningful connections with every interaction.

    Does the little things that make people happy through kindness, positivity and generosity.

    Always gives 100% effort.

    Curious, confident and loves to learn.

    Spreads joy and laughter by being their authentic self.

  • Who can be nominated and what are the selection criteria?

    This award is available to Berkeley High School Juniors and Seniors.

    Nominees must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and are currently enrolled at Berkeley High School for the 2023-2024 school year.

    Nominated students will be contacted by the Eli Kane Fund and asked to participate. If interested, they will receive a submission form via email.

    Video submissions are accepted.

    What is the process for selecting the Award winner?

    All nominee applications will be reviewed by the Eli Kane Fund advisory committee and winner will be selected based on nominees responses to questions included in the submission form.

    When is the winner announced?

    Winner will be announced in late April, 2024

    Is the information I submit going to be confidential?

    With your permission, portions of your submission will be highlighted on elikanefund.org website and Instagram account, promoting your nomination.

    Who funds the award?

    The award is funded by the Eli Kane Fund, which creates programs and provides grants in honor of Eli Kane. The cash award will be distributed through the Berkeley High Development Group.

    Who judges the award?

    An advisory committee selected by the Eli Kane Fund will review all nominations and choose one (1) winner.

    What does the winner receive?

    One (1) winner will receive a $5,000 cash award, as well as public recognition at elikanefund.org and at a BHS award ceremony. All nominees will be recognized as well.

    Who can be nominated?

    The Eli Kane Spirit Award is open to 2023-2024 Berkeley High School Juniors and Seniors.

    Who can submit nominations?

    BHS Juniors or Seniors must be nominated by one of the following:

    Berkeley High administrators, teachers, coaches, tutors, staff as well as fellow students.

    Additionally, coaches, counselors, teachers , tutors, friends outside of Berkeley High may also nominate a student (e.g, sports club coaches, extra-curricular activity coaches/teachers, etc.).

    You are allowed to nominate more than one student.

    Can I nominate myself? Can my parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins or any family members nominate me?

    No. Nominations from family are not accepted.

    I’m currently a Junior/Senior at Berkeley High School. Can I ask someone to nominate me, including one of my friends?

    Yes, you may reach out to anyone to nominate you. (excluding family) And yes, your friends, teammates, classmates can nominate you as well.

    Does a student need to have all of the qualities listed in the criteria to be nominated?

    The criteria outlined will be used as a guide for choosing a winner. We are looking for students who best represent the qualities of Eli Kane.

    Will I receive a confirmation once I have submitted the nomination?

    For Nominators: Yes, you will receive an email from the Eli Kane Fund confirming receipt of the nomination.

    For Nominees: You will receive an email congratulating you on your nomination, with details on how to participate and apply for the award. Your participation is optional. Once your submission form is completed, you will receive a confirmation as well.

    Do I really need to submit a video?

    Yes. A video provides us a better indication of who you are that may not translate as effectively in your written submission. It can be simple and authentically you.

    Are there application fees?

    No, there are no fees for applications or nominations.

    Do I have to use the award for college?

    The $5,000.00 award will be presented as a check, and can be used however the winner chooses.

    How many times can a person be nominated for an award?

    Students can be nominated only once each school year.

    I was nominated last year. Can I be nominated again?

    Yes! if you were nominated in previous years and were not chosen, you can be nominated again.

    Help. I’m a nominator or nominee and can’t access the Google Form.

    Please email scottjkane@gmail.com and we will send you the submission form questions in an email.

    I have a question that isn't answered in the FAQs. Who should I contact?

    Please feel free to email scottjkane@gmail.com with any questions or comments.

NOMINATIONS CLOSED

 

“In my 18 years of college instruction, it is the rare student who stands out in class, and an even rarer student who makes a lasting impression. Eli did both.”

— Greta Krippner, Sociology Professor, University of Michigan

“When he walked into the classroom, his warm spirit and friendly disposition filled the space with contagious, positive energy. He could work with anyone, because he genuinely saw people and treated them like they mattered.”

— Karl Kaku, English Teacher, Berkeley High School

2023 Spirit Award Recipient:

ANNA EISEN

2022 Spirit Award Recipient:

NOLAN WHITE