The Gabriel Rissman Award

Gabe Rissman passed away unexpectedly at the age of 21. Those blessed to know him spoke about his extraordinary kindness, empathy, and immeasurable sweetness. He had an infectious spirit and made everyone around him feel special, heard, and loved. Gabe was a tenacious and talented tennis player and a quiet role model with a beautiful balance of compassion and intensity, both on and off the court.

Through tennis, Gabe learned important life skills that he carried with him off the court, such as the power of trusting in oneself and embracing one’s personal power, the payoff of perseverance and the virtue of generosity through good sportsmanship. Gabe embodied these qualities to the fullest. Gabe deeply loved his friends and family and had an especially powerful and loving bond with his sisters, Ariel and Bella.

Working with the Rissman Family, KCTL has created an award in honor of Gabe to ensure his spirit, energy, and passion are forever present. The Gabriel Rissman Award for Sportsmanship, Dedication, and Spirit will be presented annually to a KCTL student who best exemplifies the qualities that Gabe brought to the court and his life.