Area students receive Kane Scholarship

Trinidad State Junior College in conjunction with the Kane Family Foundation and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) recently announced Patsy Adams of Holy Trinity Academy and Janelle Lopez of Trinidad High School as the recipients of the 2011 Kane Family Foundation Scholarship.

The merit-based scholarship program was made possible through the Kane Family Foundation and its benefactors, Wanden and Andy Kane. The Kanes were Fountain ranchers who believed in independence through education. Together for more than 50 years, the couple came from vastly different backgrounds while sharing a love of the Western lifestyle and an appreciation for learning. Together, Andy and Wanden Kane’s vision was to help others. Their foundation allows their vision to continue by helping thousands of Colorado residents achieve the dream of a college education. More than 120 students now participate in the program which is administered by the Kane Family Foundation with assistance from the TSJC Educational Foundation Office.

The Kane Family Foundation trustees announced the merit-based scholarship, one of the largest and most generous in Colorado, in January 2006. The program was expanded in 2008 to include students from TSJC and the three other southern Colorado community colleges. Students are selected based on their high school academic record and their demonstration of high motivation and potential for continued academic success as evidenced by a written essay and personal interview. The Kane Scholar program covers each student’s books, tuition and fees for up to four years of study toward pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.

Students selected for the prestigious Kane Family Foundation scholarship attend TSJC and then transfer to UCCS while continuing to receive the scholarship provided they maintain the required GPA. Based on average current costs of a bachelor’s degree at a public college in Colorado, a Kane Scholarship is worth more than $35,000.

Adams was on the honor roll for four consecutive years. She received the Edwards Jones Outstanding Business Student Award, Academic Awards in Spanish and Biology, First Place in Photography in the Trinidad Area Arts Council contest, and First Place in the Catholic Daughters of America Local Education contest. Adams was a member of Spanish Club, the Drama Club, and the Human Relations Club. Additionally, she was active in athletics having played volleyball and basketball. She was named to the All-Conference team in basketball. Adam’s community involvement includes helping with the Toy Drive for the local domestic violence shelter, cleanup at Trinidad Lake, and assisting her church. Growing up on a ranch in southeastern Colorado and being an active participant in 4-H for nearly seven years, Adams learned to defend the results of her work in front of an unfamiliar audience. As a result, her goal is to become an attorney. She is very passionate about protecting the rights of American citizens and helping people overcome injustices. After earning her bachelor’s degree at UCCS, Adams plans to apply for law school.

Lopez was one of Trinidad High School’s valedictorians for 2011. In high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Student Council. Lopez received numerous honors such as Who’s Who Among American Scholars, the United States Achievement Academic (USAA) National Leadership Award, an Academic Letter Award, the Edward Jones Academic Award, the Student Council Service Award, and the George Leone Kiwanis Mathematics Award. Additionally, Lopez excelled in sports. She participated in basketball, volleyball, and track. She was named to the Tri-Peaks League All-Conference First Team for basketball and volleyball and was selected to play in the All-State 3A game in basketball. Lopez has also been a vital community volunteer having participated with the Trinidad Cancer Alliance, Comcast River Walk Cleanup, and various food drives and blood drives. Her generous nature and kind heart make her a truly valuable asset to the community. After completing her degree at TSJC, Lopez plans to complete her bachelor’s degree in Applied Science and Pre-Medicine at UCCS. Her ultimate goal is to become a pediatric neurologist.

Scholarship recipients, Adams and Lopez, along with family members, representatives from each college or university, and trustees of the Kane Family Foundation will attend an award ceremony at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in August.