Thunder on the Mountain Gives Back

The Thunder on the Mountain Car Show Committee awarded $6,000 in scholarships to five Tehachapi High School Students at a ceremony held May 25, 2016 at Tehachapi High School.

The Thunder on the Mountain Eileen McPhee Memorial Scholarship was established ten years ago for students entering the teaching field. This scholarship honors Eileen McPhee who was a beloved teacher here in Tehachapi and also an active volunteer with Thunder on the Mountain.

The Thunder on the Mountain Rufus and Dianne Thomas Scholarship is for students going to a trade or vocational school, or a college that specializes in training for a specific vocational skill. For years, Rufus and Dianne and their big yellow truck spent every summer weekend out in front of Albertson's selling tickets for the big raffle to raise money for the scholarship funds and other local charities. They are still a big part of the Thunder on the Mountain fundraising efforts.

The Thunder on the Mountain Ralph and Vicky Kermode Memorial Scholarship was established after the death of Ralph in 2014. It is presented to students going into the medical or veterinary field. For years, Ralph Kermode was the heart of the Thunder on the Mountain Car Show Committee. He and his wife Vicky devoted their energy to raising money for the scholarships and charities to improve the lives of people in Tehachapi.

The hardworking students who received the scholarships this year are:

Eileen McPhee Scholarship – Hailee Riddle

Rufus and Dianne Thomas Scholarship – Joshua Sparling

Ralph and Vicky Kermode Scholarship – Lauren Owen, Preston Terle, Anna Szymanska

The Thunder on the Mountain Car Show Committee raises the money through car show registration fees and sales of tee-shirts and raffle tickets. All proceeds go to the scholarship fund and local charities and community organizations. Scholarship awards to Monroe students are presented at a separate ceremony.