[KHTS] – The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley has set up a scholarship fund in honor of Duane Harte, 68, who died Nov. 23 after suffering a heart attack at his Valencia home.

The scholarship will be given each year to one senior boy and one senior girl who are seeking to either go to a military academy or seeking a career in the military, said David Menchaca, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley.

“Duane was such a leader in the community and was involved with the club,” Menchaca said. “I felt it was important to honor his community involvement.”

Harte had lived in Santa Clarita since 1974 where he been a leader and volunteer in the community.

Harte had retired from military service in 1990 after 23 years with the United States Naval Reserves.

“I was moved by his involvement with the military organizations,” Menchaca said. “I had just met him Veteran’s Day and I was really impressed with his professionalism, he was involved in so many different things (in Santa Clarita).”

Each of the recipients of the scholarship will receive $1,000 as well as knowledge on who Harte was, Menchaca added.

“Those who receive the scholarship will be able to pass on who Duane was,” Menchaca said. “They will be able to pass on the torch to the next generation of community leaders.”

About Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley

The Boys & Girls Club set up its Santa Clarita branch in 1968 and is one of 4,000 clubs across the United States.

Their goal is to provide every kid in Santa Clarita the tools to succeed for their future. Everyday the club tries to teach the kids valuable lessons on self-esteem, courage and positive values.

The club helps about 2,100 kids from the ages of 7 – 17 from the Santa Clarita Valley and is located at 24909 Newhall Ave.