Placerville, Calif. — At the heart of El Dorado County’s annual Memorial Day ceremony stood a powerful reminder that service does not end when the uniform comes off. As part of the tribute at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument, two local students—Kyle Kauffman of Oak Ridge High School and Corrinne Whitney of Golden Sierra High—were awarded $3,000 and $2,000 scholarships respectively by the Veterans Monument Scholarship Advisory Committee (VMSAC).
These scholarships are awarded annually to graduating high school seniors who are the sons or daughters of U.S. military veterans residing in El Dorado County. Since the program’s inception in 2010, the Committee has distributed over $25,000 to support higher education, underscoring the region’s commitment to honoring military families through educational opportunity.
“Each application tells a story of patriotism carried forward by the next generation,”
said Committee Chair Janet Buchanan, who presented the awards.
“We are proud to support these students in their pursuit of education, guided by their family’s legacy of service.”
To qualify, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and submit a completed application, essay, letter of recommendation, and a copy of their veteran parent’s DD-214 form. The essay prompt—“How will you help preserve America’s freedoms?”—encourages thoughtful civic reflection. Applications are due annually by April 1 and may be obtained through the El Dorado Community Foundation or high school counseling offices.
This year also marked the introduction of a new opportunity: the Scholar Athlete Scholarship Fund, created in honor of Marine Staff Sergeant Sky Mote, NC, a Union Mine High School graduate who was killed in action in Afghanistan on August 10, 2012. SSgt Mote, remembered for his courage and commitment, was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the second-highest decoration for valor in combat. He also earned the Purple Heart and multiple commendation and conduct medals over his nine years of service.
“In his final act of bravery, he boldly engaged the gunman, now less than five meters in front of him, until falling mortally wounded,”
reads his Navy Cross citation.
Richard W. Buchanan, founder of the El Dorado County Veterans Monument, emphasized the honor of carrying forward Mote’s legacy:
“The Navy Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism, often posthumously. Sky Mote exemplified the very best of our county and our country.”
Mote’s father, Russ Mote, shared that
“Sky epitomized the characteristics of sportsmanship, leadership, and his love of running.”
The scholarship bearing his name will be awarded to exceptional cross-country athletes who also excel in the classroom.
Funds from both scholarships are payable directly to institutions and may be used for tuition, books, materials, fees, and room and board. The Veterans Coalition hopes that through education, these young men and women will carry forward the values of service, sacrifice, and civic duty.
For more information or to apply, visit www.eldoradocf.org or contact the El Dorado County Veterans Coalition at 530-626-7762.
