It's been over a month since a suspect was arrested for the murder of JJ Clavo, a Grant High School football player. The arrest brought some closure for JJ's family, but his mother says the fight isn't over.
On Saturday afternoon, Dr. Nicole Clavo organized a BBQ fundraiser to raise scholarship funds in JJ's name.
"What's important to me today was important to me yesterday. It just has a little more meaning, because my son's blood was spilled," said Dr. Clavo.
Dr. Clavo is long known for mentoring and working with the youth of her community. She's now taking a step further by creating these scholarships for high school student-athletes like JJ was.
"To keep his name alive and to keep pushing and rallying behind the community, behind the city, and trying to bring hope to the kids who are still graduating," said Dr. Clavo. "To help them, give something back to them, in honor of JJ."
For aspiring baseball players like 11-year-old Jacob Lee, efforts like this will make a difference.
"It makes me feel very supported throughout my career, because I know that even though baseball is my first choice, I know I do have other options," said Lee. "This gives me a backbone to go to."
Berry Accius is a mentor for Voice of the Youth. He believes all kids have a bright future; they just need to be given the opportunity.
"What she's creating is this foundation [that is going to] help put those kids in a right situation," said Accius. "His death is a very tragic situation, but I believe with all the things that are going on, it's gonna be positive. We're gonna be able to save more young people with things like this."
Even though JJ's no longer here, Dr. Clavo thinks he'd be proud of what he's being remembered for.
"I think he would be very happy. Everything was about him. And he knew I lived for him. I live for my daughter. For the rest of them," said Dr. Clavo. "He knows I will continue to fight until I can't anymore."
Dr. Clavo's hoping to raise $30,000 for 6 students from Grant, Inderkum, and Sac High to go to college. 1 male and 1 female from each school will be awarded the scholarship every year.
You can support the JJ Clavo Scholarship fund by visiting Doc's Q'in Pit Stop in Modesto and mentioning the scholarship or click here.