Some good news for local Yavapai County students looking to further their education, as the Yavapai County Sheriff's Mounted Posse (YCMSP) presented a generous gift of scholarship funds to Yavapai College yesterday. At the Prescott campus ceremony, marked by a spirit of community and philanthropy, YCMSP officials handed over a check totaling $11,000 with an additional $2,000 fund balance earmarked for 10 deserving students set to attend the college this coming fall; the scholarships are a tribute to the legacy of Ralph Hooker, an original Posse member remembered for his over four decades of service.
Chris Hill from the YCMSP, alongside Steve Brazell, YCSO's Public Affairs Officer, delivered the check to Yavapai College Foundation's Tim Mitzel and Ashley Hust, officials noted the continuous effort of the Mounted Posse, since its inception in 1941, has culminated in over $700,000 in scholarships awarded since 1958. The YCMSP sustains its scholarship fund through four major annual fundraising events, and these particular grants, named after Ralph Hooker, are restricted for use at Yavapai College only.
This year's recipients showcase a diverse group from across the county including Thomas Nelson from Bagdad High School, Tyson Matthews of Camp Verde High School, and Sabrina Zunitch from Mingus Union High School, each receiving a substantial $2,000 towards their education. These students were highlighted during the presentation for their excellence and the potential impact these funds may have on their educational journeys.
Additionally, seven more students—Tatum Jeans, Vanessa Castro Saravia, Jasmin Ayala, Mia Bane, Mariah Umbower, Ayanna Ryan, and Sophia Boynton—were each granted $1,000 scholarships, a financial boost that could make all the difference for young adults on the cusp of their college years.
To view more details about the Yavapai County Sheriff's Mounted Posse's scholarship presentation and the list of this year's lucky recipients, visit their official release at YCSO's media page.
