Many people think that the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association (CGRA) is strictly about rodeo and the Western lifestyle, but those folks might be surprised to find out that in 2012, CGRA gave away close to $25,000 in charitable donations throughout the community. One way that CGRA gives back is through the Wayne Jakino Education Scholarship Fund, which was established in memory of a man who many consider the father of gay rodeo in Colorado. This year we recognized three scholars with financials awards to assist them with their educational pursuits. They are:
· Sarah Rucker – Sarah recently graduated from Lakewood High School, and is preparing to start her college education this fall at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, where she will major in Equine Sciences. She considers both horses and music personal passions, and has given back to the community by participating in Teens for Jeans, which collects gently used jeans for homeless teenagers in Jefferson County.
· Matthew Hamilton – Matthew is returning to college this summer in pursuit of a degree in Accounting and Business Management at Metro State University. He originally enrolled in January of 2012 and achieved a 4.0 grade point average in his first semester. During his downtime from attending Metro State, Matthew has volunteered for the local chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights as well as participating in Charlie’s Denver Country Western Dance Competition, where he placed in two-step, waltz, freestyle and team dance. · Steven LaHoud – Steven recently transferred from Morgan Community College to Metro State University to pursue an Associate of Arts degree that he hopes to utilize in a career working with non-profit organizations. He has worked with several non-profits since he graduated from High School, including his most recent experience volunteering at the Humane Society Thrift Shop in Fort Morgan.
Please join us in congratulating all three recipients for their hard work and community involvement. CGRA will begin accepting applications for 2014 next February, and all of the details can be found at http://www.cgra.us/members/scholarship/.
