Friends Awards $12,000 in scholarships to local Payson College Students
Local Payson College students attending Gila Community College Payson Campus received a significant boost to their education on August 15, as the Friends of Rim Country Gila Community College, Inc. awarded $12,000 in scholarships. The scholarships were awarded to several Nursing students and one Business student with the purpose of encouraging the ideals of higher education in Payson.
Award recipient, Lauren Randel, spoke to fellow recipients, family members and donors about the impact the scholarship will have on her life. She expressed her appreciation for the award, and her commitment to remain in Payson. Her goal is to become a mental health nurse practitioner, and fill an underserved need in the community.
In attendance at the ceremony was Dorothy Howell representing the High Country Garden Club. Dorothy presented a generous donation to the Friends of Rim Country GCC Board to be used towards student scholarships. The Rim Country Camera Club sent representative Sue Zen who helped present one of the scholarships. The recipient was a former student in Ms. Zen’s Digital Photography class at the college. Also in attendance were Cliff Potts and Kenny Evans representing MHA Foundation, Connie Cockrell representing Payson Book Festival, and Janet Brocker, Gila County Community College District Governing Board President. Friends of Rim Country GCC is very grateful to these organizations and individual donors that have generously contributed to the organization’s efforts to promote higher education in Payson.
The Friends of Rim Country GCC was incorporated in 2013 and celebrated its 11th anniversary this year. Over the past decade, the organization has awarded over $198,000 in scholarships to Payson Campus students. The Friends of Rim Country is a designated 501(c)3 charitable organization, which means that donors may receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their Arizona State income taxes up to $841 married or $421 single.
Those who wish to donate to the Friends of Rim Country can do so in person at 201 N. Mud Springs Road or through their website, www.FriendsofRimCountryGCC.org. With the organization’s commitment to promoting local talent and supporting education in Payson, every dollar donated will help make a positive impact on the future of the community.