MEEKER | Each year the Meeker Classic Memorial Scholarship is dedicated in honor and memory of exemplary individuals that have been involved with the Meeker Classic, but have now passed away. The recipients of the 2017 Meeker Classic Scholarships will receive their award in 2018—their scholarships are in honor of the late Bill Lukes and Jim Swift. Next year’s recipients will receive their scholarship in honor of Gary Dunham.
Meeker native Gary Dunham will be missed by his family, friends and the Meeker community. He ranched in Meeker and later owned and operated the Meeker General Mercantile—a common stopping place for locals and Meeker Classic visitors. In addition to his commitment to family and his work Gary dedicated his life to service to his community. Serving on the local White River Rural Electric board and associated boards from 1989 until 2018, Gary also served on the Yellow Jacket Water Conservancy District board and the Upper Colorado Environmental Plant Center. He was the ultimate champion of Meeker youth and supported his community in any way he could.
Our rich heritage in Meeker is the result of hard work, dedication and belief in community by the likes of fine people such as Gary Dunham. We are proud to dedicate the 2018 scholarship in memory of Gary.
The Meeker Classic Scholarship is awarded to Meeker High School graduates that continues their education in a two-year trade school, two-year associate degree or four-year college or university. The award is made to students in their second year of their studies.
The Meeker Classic Scholarship Committee reviewed applications from a full roster of highly qualified individuals. Meeker should be proud of these young people who represent our future. Three recipients were selected this year. Recipients are awarded based on their community involvement and volunteer activities. The Meeker Classic wants to help build the next generation of volunteers, and we believe this scholarship is a small step towards achieving that goal.
The 2017 scholarship recipients, in honor of Bill Lukes and Jim Swift, are Maggie Phelan, Sheridan Harvey and Meghan Smith.
Phelan received a $1,000 scholarship. She is studying health sciences and public health at Carroll College in Helena, Mont. Harvey and Smith, both studying agriculture business, received $600 scholarships.
Special to the Herald Times
