The Voice of the Community Since 1909, Serving Moorcroft and Pine Haven, Wyoming
The Voice of the Community Since 1909, Serving Moorcroft and Pine Haven, Wyoming
In October, the Powder River Energy Foundation awarded two $1000 preschool tuition scholarships to students at preschools in Upton and Moorcroft. These are the first in what promises to be many preschool tuition assistance awards as part of the Shayna Ritthaler Memorial Scholarship program.
This first round of scholarships was coordinated with the Weston County Children’s Center/Region III Developmental Services and reviewed and approved by the Powder River Energy Foundation (PRECorp Foundation) Board of Directors.
The awards were made possible one year after the tragic death of Shayna Ritthaler, a high school student with ties to Moorcroft and Upton high schools. Shayna enjoyed her life with her sister Josalyn, and their grandparents Reuben and Shelly Ritthaler, on their ranch near Upton.
“We are so happy to offer preschool assistance to those individuals that may not otherwise be able to attend due to cost, and even more honored to do so in Shayna’s name,” said Francie Gregory, Executive Director of Weston County Children’s Center/Region III Developmental Services.
“So often, preschool is not an option for families due to the expense. In such uncertain times especially, other priorities take precedence, and that’s totally understandable. I am just so pleased that the PRECorp Foundation recognizes the importance of early education and chose that as a way to honor Shayna’s memory.”
Region III provides early intervention and special education services for birth to school-age children. Their service areas include Crook and Weston counties, with preschools in Newcastle, Upton, Moorcroft and Hulett. Their partnerships focus on kindergarten readiness and school success.
“This initial distribution of scholarship funds is only the beginning,” said Foundation Executive Director Jeff Bumgarner.
“We are working hard to expand the scholarship to more students in more preschools in future years. This is a critical part of the Foundation’s overall mission to help working families in need in northeast Wyoming. These students will benefit from extra days in their preschool programs to help them be ready to start kindergarten on Day 1.”
‘72 Mustang raffle continues
In memory of Shayna, the PRECorp Foundation is conducting a raffle for a 1972 Mustang Mach 1, with the goal of creating a sustaining scholarship for years to come.
Tickets are available through the following outlets:
Sundance, Sheridan, and Gillette PRECorp Member Service Offices, Paradise Foods in Pine Haven, Upton Lumber and Hardware, NAPA Auto Parts in Wright.
Alternatively, contact Jeff Bumgarner at [email protected] or Tim Velder, Marketing Communications Specialist of the PRECorp Foundation, at [email protected].
The fundraiser will sell only 500 tickets at $125 each. As of press time, there were approximately 280 tickets remaining.
The drawing will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021, during the 76th PRECorp Annual Meeting in Upton. You need not be present to win, and Federal taxes will be paid by the Foundation.
