Mike Puzzo, Monday, April 13, 2026 – I created the Functionally Fit for Life scholarship in 2025 to support graduating seniors from Borrego Springs and/or recent Borrego Springs graduates who are in college to pursue a degree in kinesiology, exercise science, physical therapy, nutrition, physical education, or athletic training.
As a personal trainer my goals are so much more than just helping someone get stronger, leaner, and more fit. My goal is to help someone improve their quality of life. Ultimately what we do in the gym should help my client’s activities of daily living, whether it’s playing with their kids or grandkids, going up and down stairs, mitigating chronic pain, or participating in their favorite sport, outdoor activity, or adventure.
Ultimately the purpose of my scholarship is to support young men and women who embody this same desire to help others improve the quality of their life through fitness, physical therapy and/or nutrition.
Eligibility: Graduating senior or student currently enrolled in college pursuing a degree/profession in health and wellness. This may include personal training, physical therapy, athletic trainer, physical education, kinesiology, exercise science, dietician, and nutritionist.
Applicant Requirements: Cover letter describing your interest in health and wellness, how you plan to pursue your education, your professional goals and any experience in your desired field along with two letters of recommendation.
Due Date: April 30, 2026
Submit to the high school office or directly to Mike at puzzofit@gmail.com
This year I’m fortunate to partner with the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF) as the fiscal agent. BVEF has very generously agreed to forgo the pass-through fee, so 100% of all donations will go to the recipient(s).
Anyone who would like to contribute to the scholarship fund can send tax-deductible donations to:
Borrego Valley Endowment Fund
PO Box 2714
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Memo: Scholarship fund