The Genesee Valley Chapter October race weekend is run in the memory of Joel Ayite Ajavon. Joel’s life was cut short at age 20 on August 26, 2013 by a car accident involving a drunk driver. A tragedy, and a horrific loss to all who knew and loved him but hope for those he left behind.
As a youth Joel spent numerous hours constructing and destructing K’NEX building sets, many hours in his room tinkering on multiple computers, repairing friends’ computers, tons of hours playing video games and lots of weekends hanging out with friends eating pizza, talking cars, sports and whatever young people talk about or do.
You could say he was a late bloomer and became interested in cars, specifically BMW’s in his junior year in high school as his father gifted him with a 1995 M3 BMW. From that point on Joel and his Dad were thick as thieves in an attempt to complete the building of a 1975 CSL BMW. This car was finally completed 2016 by his Dad and friends. The #16, the date of Joel’s birth, 12/16/1992 was painted on the door and hood in honor of Joel.
While attending Monroe Community College Joel was interested in technology, expressly robotics and engineering. Unknown to his family, Joel was networking with friends and students from local colleges and car clubs in the area. They met at prearranged times and spontaneously to participate in auto club events and car driving schools or just talking about cars, looking at cars, fixing cars and exchanging or buying car parts.
Joel was well known and respected by his peers for his ability to connect with people.
In 2013 a group of his wonderful friends established The Joel Ayite Ajavon Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation located at 500 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607. Annually a scholarship is awarded to a worthy student with an interest in robotic engineering.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Joel Ayite Ajavon Memorial Scholarship Fund, please make checks payable to the Community Foundation and note on the memo line: Joel Ayite Ajavon Scholarship Fund. Electronic transfers of funds can be sent to to racf.org/Scholarships.
Much gratitude and appreciation to all whom contribute in Memory of Joel.
The Ajavon Family