The Yavapai County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse presented a check for $7,000 to the Yavapai College Foundation on May 21 for scholarships for deserving county high school students. YCMSP Treasurer and Scholarship Chairman Chris Hill and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Public Affairs Coordinator Steve Brazell presented the check to YCF Executive Director Mary Talosi and Scholarship Coordinator Kelly O’Brien, who is also a YC financial aid advisor.

Hill said that seven students from Yavapai County will benefit from the $1,000 scholarships, including three from Prescott (Sarah Love, Gage Childers and Riley Crockett), two from Sedona (Elliott Friday and Ashley Stewart), one from Camp Verde (Anyssa Pineda), and one from Seligman (Nia Rose Martinez). Three of those students will enroll in the YC Nursing Program.

The YCMSP handed out a total of $37,000 in scholarships this year. The Ralph Hooker scholarships are specifically for students who will attend Yavapai College. The other scholarships can be used at the college, university, or trade school of the student’s choice. Hill said 14 different high schools were represented this year, along with one home-schooled student. And, for the first time ever, one of the scholarships went to a student from Wickenburg High School.

The Posse began the scholarship program in 1958 with one scholarship for $250. Since then, nearly $660,000 has been donated to help high school seniors in Yavapai County achieve their educational goals.

The Posse, which began in 1941 to help support the YCSO while some of its deputies served in the military during WW2, has four major scholarship fund raising events each year, including the May Roping at the Prescott Fairgrounds. This year’s roping event brought in the largest donation amount in its history. Other events include a golf tournament in August, and a Bill Nebeker bronze sculpture raffle at the “Scholars Need Dollars” dinner in October.

The Yavapai College Foundation promotes student scholarships, faculty development and programs that enrich both campus and community life. To learn more about the Foundation, the many scholarships available, or to make a donation, go online to www.yc.edu/ycf.

Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.

To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.