Clayton and Ellen Kershaw weren’t able to attend the Rotary Club of Park Cities’ Fourth of July festivities, but University Park residents will still have a chance to celebrate their hometown heroes as University Park Citizens of the Year.
City officials have confirmed that the Kershaws will be officially celebrated at University Park’s holiday tree lighting in November. The Los Angeles Dodgers legend and his wife, who co-founded the nonprofit Kershaw’s Challenge together, were named University Park’s 2026 Citizens of the Year earlier this summer.
Clayton, who attended Bradfield Elementary, and Ellen, who attended Hyer Elementary, said in a statement that they were proud to be recognized with the annual service award.
“We love this neighborhood, but mostly the people in it,” the Kershaws said. “It’s generations of friendships, neighbors supporting neighbors, and now getting to watch our own children grow up here. We’re incredibly thankful and excited to receive this honor.”
The couple founded Kershaw’s Challenge in 2011 in the hopes of serving children in need, drawing inspiration from Ellen’s mission work in Zambia.
To help raise the funds needed to build a children’s home, Clayton at one point pledged to make a donation for each strikeout he recorded.
Aside from Kershaw’s Challenge, the couple organized a donation drive to support families impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires in 2025, and Ellen recently wrapped up a year serving as the Hyer Elementary PTA president.
“The beauty of our community is that everyone is eager to serve in some capacity,” the Kershaws said. “Kids grow up watching their parents give generously and care for others. We hope they learn that no matter what their talents or passions are, they can use them to make a difference.”
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