We
are so pleased at the unbelievable number of applications received this
year! The interest in the Greater Ravalli Foundation scholarship
program is growing rapidly. We are seeing an increasing number of
applicants each year and estimate a 50 percent growth over last year
alone. These scholarships, in the amount of $4,000 each, for up to four
years, are to assist each student pursuing his or her educational
goals. The 2006 Scholarship Committee consisted of Barb Soloman, Becky
Cote, Pat Moreland, Melinda Depp, Joanie Lodmell and Nancy Schueler. They had
their work cut out for them. They carefully analyzed and reviewed each
application, student essay and family financial data. The goal again
this year was to select students who demonstrate the will and
commitment to higher education but may not have the financial backing
or additional means (to receive other scholarships.)
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the 2006 Greater
Ravalli County Foundation Scholarship Recipients! On Wednesday, May 10,
2006 the students, along with their parents and guests, enjoyed a |
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celebratory scholarship banquet held at The Stock Farm Club.
Matt
Guzik, General Manager of The Stock Farm Club and Executive Director of
The Greater Ravalli Foundation welcomed everyone and thanked all for
attending. Guzik continued the program by introducing and thanking the
Executive Board, Co-Chairpersons Jim Cote and Jim Schueler, Barb
Solomon and Wes Spiker. Board members not present; Secretary/Treasurer
John Talia, Eff Martin, James McNerney, Craig Angelo, Charles Schwab,
Roland Casati, Bill Vancanagan and Don Valentine. Special thank yous
were extended to the 2006 Scholarship Committee consisting of Pat
Moreland, Becky Cote, Melinda Depp, Barb Solomon, Nancy Schueler and
Joanie Lodmell for their time and efforts in the selection process.
Guzik then called on each student to introduce themselves and discuss
their future plans for school. Co-Chairpersons Jim Cote and Jim
Schueler addressed the students, congratulating them and wishing them
well in their future endeavors. Later in the evening, the Scholarship
Recipients were presented with their award certificates. The evening
was a memorable event filled with camaraderie and joy. |
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Introducing the 2006 Greater
Ravalli Scholarship Award Recipients
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| Taryn Chuter: Taryn
has always
known she would go to college. It was never an option of "if" she would
go, just "where" she would go. Getting a college education is the most
important goal in her life right now. Taryn is a very determined young
woman and sees college as a life changing process: the most exciting
challenge she will ever face in her life thus far. One of Taryn's
teachers describes her as bright, curious and highly motivated. Both
her peers and teachers respect and admire her. One of her finest traits
is her intellectual curiosity. She is constantly engaged in gathering
new knowledge. Taryn also gives great dedication not only to her
schoolwork and activities, but also to the people around her. |
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| Karalyn DeWalt:
Karalyn believes that continuing her education is an opportunity that
will help her to better herself as a person and present the chance to
contribute back to her community. Karalyn is an active athlete and
dedicated runner. She plans to continue her running career well into
college and her life thereafter. Karalyn has been active in Youth
Legislature and Model United Nations. Her teachers describe her as
responsible, with great drive and determination. In the classroom she
strives to excel and athletically, Karalyn has become an impressive
distance runner since her freshman year. In every project she is
involved with, Karalyn works very hard and gives her all. |
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| Marcus Higgins:
Marcus' dream is to follow his career path in automotive off-road
design and fabrication. He plans to major in Mechanical Engineering at
Montana State University in Bozeman. Marcus has been very active in
Varsity Wrestling, Varsity Track and Field, Varsity Tennis and Student
Council. Marcus' teachers describe him as energetic, willing, honest
and cheerful. He is a good person with great potential for a successful
future. Marcus brings out the best in people and is sought as a friend
by many, and he is a loyal one. Marcus has also been described as
devoted, reliable, and trustworthy with an exceptionally good attitude! |
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| Kristen Morasko:
Kristen is focused furthering her education. Her motivation is her
first grade class that she teaches for an after-school program. The joy
of learning has always been something that has put a smile on her face.
Kristen believes the look of understanding on a child's face is
something that will never get old, knowing that her dedication and hard
work will make a difference in a child's life gives her the drive to
continue her education and look forward to fulfilling dreams in her
very own classroom one day. One of Kristin's supervisors conveys,
"Aside from her outstanding abilities, intelligence, creativity and
thoughtfulness, though, what truly makes Miss Morasko stand out is her
steadfastly positive attitude, her ever present smile, and the warm
influence that she has on both the students she works with and the
after-school staff." |
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| Kayleen Pings:
Kayleen is an entrepreneur and a Montana native. Scholastics are very
important to her. She is on track to graduate as the Valedictorian of
her senior class as well as holding a position on both the Daly Mansion
Jr. Board and the Farmers State Bank Jr. Board, managing the Victor
Football Team for four years and attending Girls State. Kayleen plans
to study architectural and interior design and eventually open her own
business to become an independent contractor, using some of the
leadership skills she has acquired over the years. Kayleen's work ethic
is described by one of her teachers as dependable and honest which
makes her an excellent candidate for any scholarship. |
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| Lauren Tom:
At a very young age Lauren realized she wanted to reach out to people
through medicine and politics, which she is pursuing through her
college education. She would like to use her life experiences to make a
difference in the world by saving lives and impacting government
policy. Lauren is described by a former teacher as a "learner and a
thinker." He continues, "She is goal oriented and takes an active roll
in her education. She is the only student I have ever met who has ever
told me that her goal in life is simply to never stop learning." Lauren
has also been described as a "one in a million student" by a former
teacher who has known her since elementary school. |
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| Susan Torre:
Susan believes education is the key to success and with this thought
she is motivated to continue her education. Susan has lived in the
Bitterroot Valley all her life, taking full advantage of the
recreational opportunities around her, mainly hiking, backpacking,
cross country skiing, and rock climbing. With her academic goals she
hopes to build the foundation for an independent life. After college
Susan wishes to dedicate herself to her career as a technical
illustrator. Susan has been described by one of her teachers as a model
student: bright, thoughtful, diligent, an inquisitive person who loves
challenges and learning. People who know Susan are always impressed by
her integrity. |
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| Carl Warych:
Carl has a passion for cooking. Carl hopes to start his career in
Seattle or San Francisco, make a name for himself and move back to the
Bitterroot Valley to open up his own restaurant. Carl traveled to
Seattle for the Best Teen Chef competition held by the Art Institutes
of America. He took first place, earning a $2,000 plane ticket to Fort
Lauderdale for the national competition, where, if he wins, he could
receive a full tuition scholarship to the Art Institute of his choice.
Carl has been described as very attentive and eager to learn. He shows
an outstanding ability to retain knowledge and techniques. He is a
natural! |
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| Kimberly Whiting:
Kimberly is an admirable young woman with plans to receive her Masters
degree in Social Work and then become a child advocate. Her heart
belongs to helping children who have had to endure difficulties in
their lives. Kimberly is an active student who works very hard at
maintaining an outstanding GPA. She is described as having remarkable
fortitude, resolve and motivation which are truly an example of her
amazing human spirit. Kimberly has brought joy to the people she
touches and will be greatly missed when she goes off to college. |
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| Cody Woolley:
Cody believes that every person has a chosen destiny and that there are
certain circumstances in life that ultimately make or break one's
intentions of fulfilling one's destiny. Cody will be the first in her
family to graduate high school. Cody knows having a fulfilled life
takes great determination and hard work. She also knows that a person
with determination and the right influence can achieve great things.
Her family is very important to her and has influenced her to take
charge and be self-sufficient. One of Cody's teachers reports,
"Students like Cody Woolley are the reason that many of us older
teachers continue to look forward to coming to class. Her ebullience
and drive inspire us to remember why we teach." |
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Meeting The Mission
The goal of TGRF is to financially
support the growth and development of Ravalli County school children
K-12, by addressing four specific needs which comprise the basic
essentials of daily life in the Bitterroot: educational facilities,
supplies and grass roots programs, scholarships for all levels of
academic ability, sustenance, such as winter clothing, hot meals and
other food programs, and various capital line items as they arise, such
as cafeteria equipment and extracurricular program needs. Information
and donation forms may be accessed on line at www.tgrf.org.
The Foundation's priorities are:
- Education: science labs, computers,
books
- Scholarships for all levels of
ability
- Sustenance in the form of lunches,
clothing, jackets and boots
- Capital improvements
Some
of the Organizations TGRF Continued to support in 2005 & 2006
Kiwanis Food Basket Program
Santa Smut-North Valley Santa
Santa Jerke-South Valley Santa
School District Meal Voucher Program
School District Teacher Reimbursement Program for out-of-pocket expenses
Bitterroot Youth Homes
United Way Ravalli Cares
B.E.A.R Scholarship Program
LVA Bitterroot Literacy Program |
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