A new scholarship trust fund has been established in honor of late Arroyo Seco Junior High band director Rod Bennett.

Bennett was riding his bicycle on Placerita Canyon Road in Newhall, where he was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver in May. The driver, Lucas Guidroz, 26, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison.

The Rod Bennett Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund, started by Bennett’s wife, Valerie Pryor, will launch in January 2017 and will help graduating seniors in the William S. Hart Union High School District follow their goals in higher education.

“As a math and music teacher, Rod gave so much to the Santa Clarita community, and I want to honor him by continuing to give in his name,” Pryor said.

Bennett and Pryor met in 1985, when they both attended UCLA and played in the marching band. They married seven years later in 1992 and went on to enjoy a happy and close relationship.

Pryor will initiate the scholarship trust fund with two $2,000 scholarships awarded by the Santa Clarita Valley Scholarship Foundation in May at the Senior Awards and will be granted to students who spent at least two years in a Hart District music program in the school band, preferably at Arroyo Seco or Saugus, and intend to continue their education at a two- or four-year college.

Preference will be given to graduating students who intend to study or major in music or music education.

“Music and teaching meant so much to him, and teaching the students music and seeing them discover and grow in music meant a lot to him,” Pryor said. “I want to continue his contributions to the community.”

To help contribute to the Rod Bennett Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund, click here.