Park County awards University of Wyoming scholarships totaling $1,000 each to three students and one renewal

Park County commissioners on April 18 selected three University of Wyoming county scholarship recipients and one renewal, continuing the program that provides a fixed award amount to students in each high‑school district.

Planning and Zoning staff explained the county administers three UW scholarships per county; the amount is set by the university. Commissioners reviewed submitted applications and supporting documents, including letters of recommendation. After discussion about geographic balance and financial need, commissioners ultimately approved the following awards: Addison Duncan (Cody), McKenna Cannon (Powell), Lucas Legler (Powell), and a renewal award to Kayla Horsen (Matisse). The board approved the selections by motion and recorded vote.

Commissioners discussed whether to favor applicants from smaller districts that had fewer applicants and noted one applicant had received a full trustee scholarship from UW. The board withdrew an earlier motion and then restated a revised motion that included the Matisse renewal; the revised motion passed.

The award amount was clarified during the meeting as $1,000 per scholarship for the year. Planning staff said certificates are available from the university for presentation at the schools and that county commissioners or staff may coordinate school visits to present the awards.

Why it matters: Local scholarship awards are one of several county efforts to support post‑secondary access for local students; commissioners weighed need and previous awards in selecting recipients.

What’s next: Staff will notify recipients and work with the university and school officials on award distribution and any presentation arrangements.