Six years ago, at the urging of board of director member Nancy Z. Wilson, the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club created a scholarship fund for worthy equestrian-oriented graduating seniors and those attending institutions of higher education.

As criteria, all applicants must be involved in equine activities in the Polk County/Upstate region. This program is in addition to the TR&HC scholarship available through the Polk County Community Foundation.

The Tryon Riding & Hunt Club recognizes Megan Betzel, a senior at Landrum High School; Madeleine Fahnley, attending UNC – Asheville; and Ashley Monk, a rising sophomore at Gardner – Webb, as the recipients of the 2011 TR&HC Educational Scholarship.

The three students selected will receive a portion from the $5,000 scholarship fund. All three exemplify the spirit of the award by knowing that equestrian activities teach hard work, dedication, time management, responsibility and teamwork.

The TR&HC scholarship selection committee consists of Shelley Griffiths, Sara Bell and Ryan Whitson.

The Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Scholarship winner, administered through the Polk County Community Foundation, is Micah Parsons.

The TR&HC is a non-profit organization, 501(c)(3). Donations are tax deductible.

For more information, call 828-859-6109 or mail donations to: 289 South Trade Street, Tryon, N.C. 28782 with “scholarship” marked in the memo line.

– article submitted by Laura Weicker