Vista Girls Softball

Each year Vista Girls Softball has given the awards to deserving girls.

The Scholarship has been given out to deserving girls from Rancho and Vista High since 1991 and was re-named in honor of Shelbie Martinson in 1993. Below are the names of all the recipients to receive this award.
 

Shelbie Martinson

A former player of Vista Girls Softball, Shelbie Martinson, was killed in an automobile accident on November 22, 1992. Shelbie had many friends and was a dedicated player in Vista. Shelbie had moved on to a great All-Palomar League team playing for Vista High School. Shelbie was the 18-year-old daughter of Randall and Rusanne Ortiz and a June ‘92 graduate of Vista High.

Vista Girls Softball created a scholarship award that is given each year to deserving girls from both Rancho Buena Vista and Vista High Schools in Shelbie’s Memory. The Shelbie Martinson Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a senior who plans on going on to college and has played softball on their schools softball team in their senior year. This $500 award to each girl can be used to help further their education.

Below is a poem that was written by a friend of the family and a picture that appeared in the paper.

In Memory of Shelbie Martinson

Love is the feeling that comes to mind, as we think of you today.
You passed by and we were deeply touched by your loving way.
The way you walked, said it all.
You were always on the go.
From here to there with sweet smile, You’d say, "Hi, Bye, Gotta go."
You made us laugh, you made us cry.
Our lives are not the same.
Each day you stepped up to the plate.
You showed us how to play life’s game.
This is what you seemed to say.
"Look you guys, here’s how it’s done."
"Play it hard and fast, love and laugh a lot."
"Life is a lot more fun."
"When it comes, your turn to take the bat, and if you feel unsure."
"Just greet each day as it comes your way."
"Take your stance, dig in, face it with a grin."
"Know this day is meant for you."
"Give it all you’ve got, and learn to laugh a lot."
"Then play it to the end."
"Connect with those you meet and love, then follow through and be a friend."
"That’s how the Game of Life is played."
Today we’ve come from far and wide to celebrate the life you shared.
You touched us all with your loving way.
You’ve shown us all, young and old, a better way to play.
Your instant smile, your infectious laugh, will be with us everyday.
We are not the same.
In my heart, I hear God say,
"There is a lesson to be learned,
To pass along today,
Live this day,
I send your way,
For you are not alone."
"Shelbie Dear,
You played life’s game,
You touched each base,
You played it well,
And now,
You are SAFE AT HOME."