USTRC 2016 Year End Scholarship Program

USTRC Scholarship Program

Year End 2016

By

Melinda Clements

         The USTRC Scholarship Program is designed to award $100,000 in scholarship funds annually youth members planning to further their education. Sixty scholarships were awarded this term ending October 31, 2016.

         “This is our inaugural season and it’s been very successful with 412 young ropers opting into the program,” said USTRC President, Kirk Bray.  “The top sixty (60) ropers in the point standings will share in the $100,000 Scholarship Program. One of the unique aspects of this program is that ropers don’t have to be of college age to earn a scholarship.  For example, a roper as young as thirteen years of age can opt in and earn a scholarship.  The funds will be held for them until they reach college age and enroll to further their education.  It’s a real possibility that many of these young ropers will build a substantial scholarship fund with the USTRC before they graduate from high school.”         

         Average points are awarded using a ten point system with first place receiving ten points, second place receiving nine points, third get eight points on down the line to tenth place receiving one point. 

         Scholarship award amounts are awarded in the following manner:

         1^st--$10,000                                            6^th –20^th--$1,500

         2^nd--$8,000                                            21^st—30^th--$1,250

         3^rd--$6,000                                            31^st—40^th--$1000

         4^th--$5,500                                            41^st—50^th--$750.

         5^th--$5,000                                            51^st—60^th--$500.

         This year’s top scholarship recipient is Britton Monday from Ramona, Oklahoma.  He wrapped the 2015-2016 season with a total 323 points to take the first place scholarship of $10,000. Monday can apply this scholarship to books, tuition, and other compensation as needed for his education.

         Monday is a junior at Caney Valley High School in Ramona, Oklahoma.  He plans to attend college at OSU and be on the rodeo team.  His ultimate goal is to be a firefighter. 

         “My dad retired from being a firefighter after thirty-five years of service,” Monday elaborated.  “The program takes about two to two and a half years to complete and involves not only being a firefighter but working as a first responder and EMT. I want to stay around here close to home when I am finished.”

         Monday’s dad found the USTRC Program on line and was immediately drawn to all the possibilities the program provided.

         The money he has earned in the scholarship program will be held for him until the time he enrolls in college or at a university like OSU.                  

          “We have already opted in for this new season,” Monday concluded. “I look forward to trying to earn additional scholarships through USTRC’s program. My dad has already signed me up.”

         Second with 274 points is Butchie Levell from Omaha Nebraska and he will receive $8,000 toward his education.

         The fact that the USTRC prides itself on family and roping makes the USTRC Scholarship Program even more special.  The program is designed to utilize roping and format it toward a better education.  With the success of this year’s inaugural season it is hopeful the program will continue to grow with more and more young ropers choosing to opt in.  The 2016-2017 season of the USTRC Scholarship Program has already kicked off and you can look for Britton Monday at the USTRC Team Roping in Tulsa.  That is their next roping event and he will be competing and compiling points for his scholarship and a better education.