Named Scholarships for High School Graduates

Karl Allen / John Magnetti

Karl Allen was a career social studies teacher at HSCHS. His successes include an honorary doctorate at the University of Wyoming. His teaching influence is legendary. The Allen family became Endowment benefactors to honor longtime friend and colleague, John Magnetti.
Mr. Magnetti was principal at HSCHS until his retirement. He is remembered as a dedicated and devoted educator. His generosity and friendship will forever be missed. 

Don "Duke" Bolich, DDS

Dr. Bolich grew up in Gebo and remained forever grateful for his opportunities in Hot Springs County. He played sports at Thermopolis High School and into college. He worked hard for his education at the insistence of his doting parents. Dr. Bolich moved to Colorado and had a dental practice there until he retired, but he never forgot Thermopolis. He was a co-founder of the HSCEEF and a significant contributor in the following years. He valued education, athletics, and loyalty to family and community.

Alma Cannon

Alma taught first grade at Hill School in Thermopolis. She was a charter benefactor. Alma once said, "I'm luck that I make a living doing a job I love." She traveled extensively and shared her knowledge of the world. The Endowment vocational scholarship is named in her honor.

Huella and Martin Darling

Huella and Martin Darling were longtime teachers at Hot Springs County High School. They received their Business Education degrees in Kirksville, Missouri. Martin served in the 8th Air Force 457 Group. They moved to Thermopolis in 1960. Huella taught a variety of business ed classes, and Martin was school librarian. They lived in the same house on Broadway where they raised three daughters. They enjoyed summers in the Big Horns and continued camping and fishing until Martin's death. Huella and Martin valued vocational education and worked tirelessly to support vocational classes. Huella established this scholarship in 2016 for a student pursuing a vocational career. 

Vernon & Carmen S. Eastman

Carmen was a longtime Spanish teacher at HSCHS. She loved to travel and believed that young people should expand their horizons. Carmen was a founding benefactor. The Vernon M. and Carmen S. Eastman Scholarship is dedicated to an outstanding foreign language student.

Mary C. Hanssen

Mary was a career first grade teacher. She began teaching at Gebo north of Thermopolis. She impacted many young children with "the basics". Later in life, Mary wrote a book. "It's Always Recess in First Grade." She dedicated her profits to the Endowment. Mary's scholarship is awarded to a multi-generational Hot Springs County student.

Ruth Clare Yonkee Johnson

Ruth Clare Yonkee Johnson graduated from Hot Springs County High School as Valedictorian in 1940. She was one of the first women lawyers in the State of Wyoming. She was chair of the Bicentennial Committee in Hot Springs County in 1976. The Bicentennial Park and flower bed was established during this time at 5th and Broadway. As a member of the Daughters of the American Revolutions, she chaired Constitution Observances. She worked with schools and the community to hand out Constitution handbooks. She also was responsible for the establishment of the State Legend Rock Site. She was recognized as the first woman in the HSC Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2017, Ruth Clare and her family established an Endowment scholarship for a deserving student.

Frank Manning, DDS

Frank Manning was a beloved citizen of Hot Springs County. He spent his dental career in Thermopolis. Dr. Manning was a Korean War veteran and author of a book about his wartime experiences. Frank was devoted to the community. He developed the WWII Veteran’s Memorial at the Hot Springs County Museum and the Cowboy Memorial in the heart of downtown Thermopolis. He was passionate about tennis and was instrumental in refurbishing the tennis courts in Candy Jack Park. He was a co-founder of the HSCEEF to promote education for all citizens in Hot Springs County.

"Bobby" Reich

"Bobby" was the son of Sharon and Jerry Reich. He graduated for HSCHS in 1981. He was a swimmer and four year member of NHS. "Bobby" lived with cystic fibrosis until his death at age 39. "Bobby" is remembered as a fighter with a "no quit, no can't" attitude. A scholarship for excellence in math/science honors his life at HSCHS.

Thermopolis Elks Club

This scholarship recognizes the qualities of scholarship, leadership, and service. These qualities are founding principles of our local Elks Club members. Local membership generously established this scholarship in 2015.

Washakie Chapter - National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Washakie Chapter NSDAR was founded in Thermopolis on February 26, 1925. The mission of the organization is to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

Many community activities have been supported such as: Gift of the Waters Pageant Days, Books for Babies, and public library donations. The Chapter helped preserve Hot Springs County history with monuments at Chief Washakie Bath, Smoky Row Cemetery, Yates-Roberts Ferry Crossing, WWII Memorial Grove, and the flagpole at Riverside Cemetery. Constitution Week and Flag Day activities were promoted under the DAR leadership. After ninety-three years, the Chapter was dissolved in Thermopolis in 2017. A scholarship was then established to recognize the qualities found in the DAR GOOD CITIZEN AWARD: dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.

Named Scholarships for Renewal Students

John and Christine Bolich

John Bolich worked for fifty years as a coal miner at Gebo. He had no formal education but wanted his sons to GO TO SCHOOL. Christine Bolich had to quit school to help raise her siblings. She was self-taught and worked in Thermopolis successfully for many years. She retired as an administrator at the Wyoming Pioneer Home. Their son, Don, established a graduate school scholarship to honor their sacrifices and strong belief in education.

"Sandee" Lumley Garrelts, RN, BSN

Sandee was raised in Thermopolis and graduated from HSCHS in 1965. She wanted to be a nurse from age eleven. Her dream was realized with degrees from Casper College and the University of Oregon. She served in many nursing positions around the country during for forty-year career including Director of Nursing at HSCMH and as school nurse for HSCSD#1.
She loved her husband, two children, and family. She remained a nurse her entire life, offering help and advice always. Jim Garrelts, her husband, established a nursing/medical Endowment scholarship in her memory in 2016.

Margaret and James K. John

Margaret and "Jim" John moved to Thermopolis in 1958. Margaret owned and operated "The Shoppe" floral business for 25 years. "Jim" was regional manager of Mountain Bell until his retirement in 1978. In order to honor their community involvement, their four children established a wildlife/natural resources scholarship.

Anabel "Cookie" Miley

"Cookie" came from a Wyoming pioneer family.  She retired to Thermopolis and grew to love the community. "Cookie" had a passion for education and wanted to impact future generations. She lived to be 100 years old. A nursing scholarship honors her benevolent contribution to the Endowment.

Red Rock Family Practice

Red Rock Family Practice was established in 2000 in Thermopolis. Many critical medical services are provided by these caregivers to the citizens of Hot Springs County. The Clinic established an Endowment Scholarship in 2015. This scholarship assists undergraduate students pursuing careers in medical fields.