About Clifton
On January 29, 2022 our lives changed forever. We lost our youngest son Clifton to an unintentional overdose of fentanyl. The Liftin Clifton Memorial Scholarship Fund (an established 501(3)c non-profit) has been established to give back in his name to a deserving graduating wrestler from his High School alma mater Dixie Hollins High School, aka Hollins High. The wrestling coaches and team are family they made a huge impact on all our lives most especially Clifton’s. Clifton’s drive for sportsmanship and life were multiplied by the Dixie family. Life for Clifton’s family will never be the same, but we will make a difference in as many lives as we can following the criteria that Clifton worked so hard to achieve.
For anyone that ever had the chance to meet Clifton, in the words of his friends and family, he was handsome, funny, loving, sensitive, passionate, positive, loved lifting, wrestling, bright, genuine, inspiring, goofy, always smiling, a beautiful soul, unrivaled sportsmanship, and caring with a bright light that was put out way to soon.
Clifton’s smile, passion, and drive will always be the memories we cherish the most.
Please donate to his Scholarship Fund and become a part of giving back and continue his journey & name thru others.
Recipient of the 2023
“Liftin Clifton Memorial Scholarship”
presented to:
Michael Farrelly
The Liftin’ Clifton Memorial Scholarship
Who was Clifton: Clifton represented dedication, kindness, humbleness, and above all sportsmanship. Clifton was the wrestler who picked his opponent off the mat with a handshake and a man hug. He was there to help without being asked, dependable. He was Funny, passionate, loved the gym, two a days were common for many many years, as well as chicken and jasmine rice.
For anyone that ever had the chance to meet Clifton, in the words of his friends and family, he was handsome, funny, loving, sensitive, passionate, positive, loved lifting, wrestling, bright, genuine, inspiring, goofy, always smiling, a beautiful soul, unrivaled sportsmanship, and very caring with a bright light that was put out way to soon.
Clifton had unrivaled sportsmanship, the golden rule for athletes is good sportsmanship, demonstrated when you show respect for yourself, teammates, opponents, coaches.
Application Process / Requirements
Submit an essay about a time in your life where you felt you displayed qualities that Clifton was known for. Continued education is a requirement of the scholarship.
Thru education we grow…
Humble – Kind – Sportsmanship – Dedicated
Pride and Excellence Award
About the award: The Clifton Thomas Pride in excellence award, is chosen by the coaches and given to a student who exhibits the qualities of who Clifton was sportsmanship being the #1 quality. In the words of Coach Spataro: “Clifton was that guy….. To help another athlete up win or lose…..That always had a great attitude and effort…..That always received good grades and an education meant something….That was always willing to listen and learn from others…..Clifton was a coach’s dream. Strong, smart, worked hard and did everything that I asked him to do, one of the most coachable kids I’ve ever had…..”
“The Clifton Thomas Pride in Excellence Award”
For dedication, drive and devotion to team
Recipient of the 2023 “Pride and Excellence Award” presented to:
Michael Farrelly
