Foundation awards scholarships to area students

The Sheridan County Community Foundation was pleased to present scholarship awards to area students during the Saturday, May 9, 2026, Commencement Ceremony at Hoxie High School.

Scholarship funds currently held at the Foundation include the Opal and Adolph Harris Estate Scholarship, the Youth on the Move Scholarship, the Pheasants Forever Memorial Scholarship, and the newly established Fred L. Moss Memorial Scholarship.

The Opal and Adolph Harris Estate Scholarship was established to benefit graduates of Hoxie USD 412 or home-schooled students residing within the district. Each recipient of the 2026 award received $1,750.00. This year’s recipients were Cash Stillman and Dakota “Cody” Eller.

The Youth on the Move Scholarship, sponsored by Hoxie Recreation, supports graduates of Hoxie USD 412 who have been actively engaged in community and youth activities throughout high school. Receiving awards of $250.00 each were Madi Meier, Allie Gourley, Avery Mauck, and Chloe Porsch.

The Pheasants Forever Memorial Scholarship, established by the local Pheasants Forever organization, is awarded to a graduate of Hoxie USD 412 who has completed the hunter education certification course. Hailey Vaughn was selected to receive the $500.00 award.

In addition, Hailey Vaughn was named the inaugural recipient of the Fred L. Moss Memorial Scholarship receiving a $500.00 award. This scholarship was established by the Moss family following Fred’s passing in late 2025 to honor his legacy and support future generations of Hoxie students.

“On behalf of the Foundation, I’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to the scholarship funders for their generosity and foresight in establishing these awards, as well as to the individuals on each scholarship review committee for their time, dedication, and care in reviewing applications and making thoughtful funding recommendations,” said Foundation Executive Director Karl Pratt. “We are honored to support these graduates as they embark on their next chapter, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire Hoxie High School Class of 2026.”

Donors interested in creating a scholarship or other grant funds with the Foundation are encouraged to contact 785-677-5090 or director@growsheridancounty.org

SCCF is an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation based in Bird City. The foundation seeks to encourage, prudently manage, and distribute charitable contributions to improve the quality of life of Sheridan County residents, now and in the future. To learn more, contact Pratt at 785-677-5090, director@growsheridancounty.org, or visit www.growsheridancounty.org. Connect with SCCF at www.facebook.com/sheridanccf.