In 2004, when Sue McCostis set up a scholarship fund to help local youth obtain training in snow sports, she had no idea how many teens would benefit from the program or how much it would grow in the coming years.
The McCostis Scholarship Fund (MSF), a program of the Ludlow Teen Center, not only recognizes Sue and Dick’s interest in skiing, but also their commitment to helping teens. In addition to the respective scholarships in Sue and Dick’s memory, there are also three additional memorial scholarships: Pete Noyes Skiing Scholarship, George Shaw Skiing Scholarship; and the Than Durgin Snowboarding Scholarship.
Recipients of a MSF scholarship must meet a set criteria: permanent residence of the Black River Valley; recommendations from school, coach and community; and financial need. In the first few years of the scholarship fund, only one scholarship was given per year. It varies from year to year, based on applications received, but we are now averaging about six scholarships a season. Funds have been used to pay for weekend programs, snow academies, as well as assistance with national and international competitions.
The Mission of MSF is “To assist Okemo Valley youth in their pursuit of excellence through skiing and snowboard training.” We believe that the fifteen students funded to date are doing just that. The three free style skiers funded, a special interest of Sue’s, are now all in college. Of the five snowboarders funded, one is in college and the rest are in junior high and high school. This year, two of our four snowboarders have qualified for nationals, one is excelling on the high school circuit and the fourth is still in contention for a slot for Nationals. Our Pete Noyes Ski Scholarship recipient, Rainie Hill qualified for J2 Nationals, only one of 15 girls in the east to do so. Not only do our students excel on the hill, but many are on the honor role in their respective schools.
On March 19, Saturday, the MSF will be holding a “Snow Bank Party” to help raise funds for winter 11-12. The Killarney’s, who has been a generous host to MSF benefits in the last several years, is once again opening its doors for a fun filled evening. There is a special raffle, as well as a silent auction. The band GMB will be playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. MSF recipients for the 10-11 season will be in attendance. Activities start getting underway about 6:00 pm.
If you can’t make it to Killarney’s, stop by Berkshire Bank and purchase a raffle ticket for the gorgeous quilt made by Joan Noyes.
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