MOUNTED SHERIFF'S POSSE PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIP CHECK TO YAVAPAI COLLEGE

Published on June 09, 2025

Ten students from Yavapai County will benefit from the Ralph Hooker Memorial Scholarships, courtesy of the Yavapai County Sheriff's Mounted Posse (YCMSP). 

The official handing over of the money for the scholarships was made June 9th at Yavapai College in Prescott. YCMSP official Chris Hill and YCSO Public Affairs Officer Steve Brazell joined Yavapai College Foundation officials Tim Mitzel and Ashley Hust for the presentation of $11,000, which will be added to a $2,000 fund balance for grants to a total of 10 county students who will attend YC this fall.

Hill told the YCF officials that the Posse, which was formed in 1941 and issued its first scholarship for $250 in 1958, has now given out more than $700,000 in awards to deserving county students. YCMSP holds four major fundraising events each year to finance the grants, many of which can be used at the college or university of the winner's choice. The Ralph Hooker Memorial Scholarships can only be used at Yavapai College and are given in memory of one of the original members of the Posse who served for more than four decades. 

The 2025 Ralph Hooker Memorial Scholarship winners:

$2,000 each:

Thomas Nelson, Bagdad HS

Tyson Matthews, Camp Verde HS

Sabrina Zunitch, Mingus Union HS (Cottonwood)

$1,000 each:

Tatum Jeans, Bagdad HS

Vanessa Castro Saravia, Bradshaw Mountain HS (Prescott Valley)

Jasmin Ayala, Chino Valley HS

Mia Barre, Mingus Union HS

Mariah Umbower, Seligman HS

Ayanna Ryan, Seligman HS

Sophia Boynton, Tri City College Prep HS (Prescott)