In memory of their son, Aydin, Hamid and Azita Salek have established a scholarship fund that is being maintained by the Pasadena Community Foundation. The Aydin Salek Memorial Leadership Scholarship will be used to provide educational funds for “South Pasadena High School student leaders and/or high-achieving students of Iranian descent.” The first grant will go to a member of Salek’s class upon graduation in June.

The community was rocked last fall with the news that South Pas senior Salek had died from apparent alcohol poisoning after attending a party. He was a strong student who overcame the challenge of arriving at a small-town high school as a sophomore — and an immigrant — to become a leader on campus. He was founder and president of the campus Model U.N. club, staff writer for the school paper, president of the American Cancer Society Youth Club, a student rep for the school board, and a 2009 Youth Senator for the 22nd Senatorial District. He had planned to go into politics.

Those interested in donating to the scholarship fund can find out more at aydinsalek.wordpress.com.