CASPER, Wyo — Casper College has announced the $1,000 Tom Parker Rodeo Scholarship for the 2020-2021 school year, established by the family of the late Thunderbirds rodeo coach.
According to a CC media release, those who apply for the scholarship must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours, have a high school GPA of 2.5, have been a member of the Wyoming High School Rodeo Association, and participate in the Casper College Rodeo program.
“A dedicated teacher for 37 years, it’s obvious that education was important to Tom,” said Linda Parker, Tom’s wife, in the release. “Once he was able to add rodeo to the mix, it was a dream come true.” In addition to coaching, Parker taught agriculture at CC until May 2013.
“He was never concerned with who was the smartest or the best in the arena, but your effort mattered to him,” said Linda. “This scholarship, in his memory, will give someone the chance to give it their best try.”
Parker coached Thunderbird rodeo for 27 years, including consecutive regional titles in 2011 and 2012 and finished either first or second in five of his last six rodeo seasons leading up to his death 2017. He was posthumously awarded 2016-2017 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Coach of the Year at the College National Finals Rodeo.
For more information on the scholarship contact Ann Dalton, associate director of development for the Casper College Foundation: 307-268-2325.
