Soccer has always been a very important part of Fernando’s life. He began playing soccer at the age of four. He has over 10 years of experience of organized soccer leagues. His team The Little Giants won the Univision Soccer Cup Tournament in 2015 and dozens of 1st place rankings in local tournaments.
Fernando was a vital part of the South Gwinnett varsity team. He played on the varsity team 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. He was selected captain of the varsity team his Senior year. He led the team alongside the co-captain to the GSHA AAAAAAAA Boys Soccer Elite 8.
He was very important in facilitating South Gwinnett High School’s first ever Regional Championship for boys’ varsity soccer. After the season concluded, Fernando was selected to the All-County team by the other coaches within Gwinnett County. His selection for this award was based from his athletic performance as well as his leadership displayed on the field. The coaches at South Gwinnett described Fernando as a great leader and role model on and off the field.
Fernando’s academic record is equally as impressive as his athletic profile. He won the Highest-Grade Awards in Chemistry and Biology his freshman year. He has worked very hard during his high school career and has excelled in his classes to finish in the top 15% of the graduating student body. Fernando has been a very active and dedicated student while at South Gwinnett. He was enrolled in the STEM academy and has excelled in all his classes including Engineering, Calculus, and Foreign Languages. He speaks three Languages.
Fernando has participated in many clubs such as FBLA, DECA, and SGHS Peer Leaders. He is also very active in community service. He is dedicated to his church. He is a leader of his church youth group. He volunteers with religious educational classes on a weekly basis.
Fernando will be attending Georgia State University in the fall. He has a passion to help people, and he will be majoring in social science.
Anson Brent LanierIn 2002, the Brent Lanier Memorial Soccer Scholarship was created in loving memory of Anson Brent Lanier. Brent graduated from South Gwinnett in 1996 as an outstanding athlete and student. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia. Brent is greatly missed by his parents, Don and Debbie Lanier, his family, and many friends.
The scholarship was set up in Brent’s memory to honor him. The scholarship is given annually to a deserving South Gwinnett Senior to assist him or her in pursuing their education. This is the eighteenth scholarship to be given.
Fernando was highly recommended for the Brent Lanier Scholarship by his coaches and teachers. Fernando is a young man of excellent character and integrity who reflects all the positive aspects of the scholarship. He has consistently demonstrated through his dedication to his academics, soccer, and community that he is worthy of the honor of this scholarship. Fernando Soto will very ably represent the honor of Brent’s scholarship.
