Thunder on the Mountain presents $7,500 in scholarships to THS students

The Thunder on the Mountain Car Show Committee awarded $7,500 in scholarships to six Tehachapi High School Students at a ceremony held June 1, 2017 at Tehachapi High School.

The Thunder on the Mountain Teaching Scholarship was established eleven 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 Vocational Scholarship is for students going to a trade or vocational school, or a college that specializes in training for a specific vocational skill. It was established to honor the charitable work of Rufus and Dianne Thomas. 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 Medical Scholarship was established after the death of Ralph Kermode 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 that help improve the lives of people in Tehachapi.

The hardworking students who received the Thunder on the Mountain scholarships this year are:

• Teaching Scholarship – Breelyn Heath, Taylor Williams

• Vocational Scholarship –

Nicholas Barrett

• Medical Scholarship –

Daisy Hernandez, Juliane Dieken

• Veterinary Scholarship – Eric Bilotta

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.