El Pomar names RHS regional school of the year

RANGELY — Rangely High School El Pomar Youth in Community Service (EYPCS) was awarded the regional school of the year award in May in Grand Junction. In addition to the school award, RHS senior Matt Herrera was named student of the year. Throughout the school year, students focused on four primary components: philanthropy, community service, leadership and the nonprofit sector.
RHS EYPCS advisors Glenda Halcomb and Dave Walck were also recognized.
EPYCS is a grant program funded through the El Pomar Foundation based in Colorado Springs. The El Pomar Foundation was created by the Penrose family to benefit others. The program involves more than 140 high schools. Each school that is accepted into the program is expected to do community service projects and they also need to raise $500. Once those goals are met, El Pomar will grant $7,500 to each school group to grant to non-profits that fit the EPYCS mission statement each school creates. RE-4 School were eligible for up to $2,500 of the $7,500. The remaining $5,000 was made available to the communities of Rangely and Dinosaur. All applications must adhere to the RHS EPYCS mission statement.
The Rangely High School EPYCS program’s mission statement is: “The Rangely High School EPYCS program is dedicated in its effort to improve the lives of the citizens in the Rangely-Dinosaur area. We believe we can make a difference by providing both service and support to other community non-profit organizations focusing on education, health and wellness, cultural development and general public services.”
This year RHS EYPCS allocated the funds to several groups and they are as follows: $2,400 to Rio Blanco County 4-H, $2,600 to Western Rio Blanco Metropolitan Parks and Recreation District, $1,000 to RHS weight room, $500 to RHS FFA, $500 to RHS girls’ basketball and $500 to Rangely Middle School P.E. Thanks to all groups who have applied in the past.
The El Pomar Foundation has decided to change its focus in the area of philanthropy and the format will change in the 2008-2009 school year. Schools have been asked to continue their philanthropic mission without the $7,500 grant from El Pomar. RHS will continue its work in the RHS leadership class. If you have any questions on how you can be part of the program, contact Dave Walck at 675-2253, ext. 107.