Alisha Aiello The Future Track Running Club has named Alisha Aiello of Simi Valley High School its winner of the 2006 Scholarship Competition.

Aiello participated in four years of cross country and track and field at Simi Valley.

"If I had never joined Simi High's cross-country and track teams, my high school career as well as my future would be completely altered," Aiello said.

"My experiences as an athlete helped define me as a person. I discovered my capabilities and the type of person I want to be," she said.

During her senior year, Aiello was the captain of both teams.

"I formed unforgettable friendships, developed leadership qualities, and was guided towards a career in sports medicine," she said.

At the Simi Valley Cross She's heading to

UCLA in the fall Country and Track Banquet June 1, Aiello received a $2,000 scholarship for her continuing education.

In the fall, she will attend UCLA and will major in sports medicine.

Each year the Future Track Running Club sponsors a scholarship competition for crosscountry and/or track and field athletes who are in their senior year.

Schools included in the competition come from the Conejo Valley, Moorpark, Las Virgenes and Oak Park school districts.

Selection criteria include participation in cross country and/or track and field for a minimum of two years, at least a 3.0 GPA, and admission to a program of continued education.

In addition, all applicants submit a 500-word essay describing the influence that crosscounty and/or track and field have had on their life and how the experiences gained in this sport have affected their overall high school experience.

Future Track Running Club enhances the running skills for all levels of adult athletes. Members in the club vary in experience from beginning runners to All-Americans.

For more information on any of the running programs, call the Future Track Running Center at (818) 991-4786.