Madeline Regina Willette
Memorial Scholarship
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
Madeline Regina Willette was more than a coach. She was a mentor, a teacher, and a leader. She was a founding member of the United Age Group Track Coaches Association (UAGTCA), where she helped shape the future of youth track and field in the region. She was also the Head Coach of the Philadelphia Express Track Club, where she inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams. And she was an educator in the Philadelphia Archdiocesan School System, where she challenged her students to become well-rounded, critical thinkers.
Madeline passed away in 2009, but her legacy lives on. The UAGTCA established the Madeline Regina Willette Memorial Scholarship in her honor, to recognize and reward students who embody her ideals of excellence, passion, and service.
The scholarship is open to applicants who have competed in either the UAGTCA Meets or the Philadelphia Express Cross-Country Series for at least five years, and who have demonstrated respectable academic knowledge and athletic abilities.
2025
Madeline R. Willette
Memorial Scholarship Awardees
Ellis Johnson
Lehigh University
Ellis graduated from Germantown Academy in June 2025. He is currently a Psychology Major at Lehigh University. Ellis in an Inter Academic League Champion in the 110m Hurdles. He was a member of Ambler Olympic Club and the Mt. Airy Track Club.
Ariana Ruffin
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ariana graduated from the University of South Alabama. She currently attends PCOM pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree. Ariana was a member of the United Stars and Delco Stallions Track Clubs.
Tia Taylor
William and Mary
Tia graduated from Cornell University in May 2025 with a Psychology Degree. She is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Public Policy at William and Mary in Virginia. Tia was a member of the Mt. Airy Track Club and still helps Coach Teri with the team whenever she gets a chance. She is a long-time volunteer with the UAGTCA.
Kyra Williams
University of Pennsylvania –
Graduate School of Education
Kyra is a Gates Millennium Scholar who is a two-time New York University graduate in the Arts. She currently is a student in University of Pennsylvania’s Doctorate of Education Program. She is the founder of “Stories in My Backyard,” a non-profit organization.
Kyra was a member of the Mallery Challengers and is currently a member of the Philly Factor Track Club. She has been a long-time Volunteer with the UAGTCA and is currently its DJ at the Invitational.
Empowering Your Future:
Madeline R. Willette
Memorial Scholarship
The UAGTCA has received generous support from a distinguished group of donors, enabling us to expand the number of MRW scholarship recipients from two to four, each receiving $1000.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to –
Aaron Robison, Associate Director of the Penn Relays
The University of Pennsylvania – Penn’s Way Workplace Campaign
Helmut McIntosh / TD Bank
Rhonda Baker, Individual Donor, for their invaluable contributions!
Awards will be presented at the Ron Jackson Youth Invitational.