A young man and a young woman from southern Colorado have been chosen to receive the
prestigious Kane Scholarship at Trinidad State in Trinidad. The announcement was
made in Colorado Springs on August 17. A Kane Scholarship is worth more than $35,000
and pays for two years at Trinidad State and then two years at the University of Colorado
at Colorado Springs. Recipients are required to keep good grades.
Dorian Ray is from Eads and a graduate of Eads High School. She plans to get an Associate
of Arts Degree and then continue at UCCS in Business with a focus on Marketing. “My
leadership skills, life experience, and drive to succeed all demonstrate my commitment
to my goals,” said Ray. “Sitting around and waiting for great things to happen has
never been my style.” She plays on the Trinidad State Volleyball Team.
Adrian Torres graduated from Trinidad High School. In addition to his studies, Torres
received an athletic letter all four years in football. He also was on the wrestling
team and track team. He plans to study nursing at Trinidad State and then continue
on at UCCS.
The merit-based scholarship program was made possible through the Kane Family Foundation and its benefactors, Wanden and Andy Kane. The Kanes were ranchers from the Fountain area who believed in independence through education. Together for more than 50 years, the couple had come from vastly different backgrounds while sharing a love of the Western lifestyle and an appreciation for learning. Their vision was to help others. The 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 Trinidad State 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 Trinidad State 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.