Desert Messenger

April 1, 2020 www.DesertMessenger.com 9 Jonathan "Jack" McElwain, scholarship recipient THE MAIN TRADING POST INDIAN ARTIFACTS & JEWELRY 928-927-3200 1170 W. Main St. (across from Pilot) PO Box 4028, Quartzsite, AZ 85346 BEADS Findings Much More! Sterling Silver Jewelry 50% OFF! LIVE MUSIC 3 PM ~ AT THE STAGE! Nov. 15 - March ~ Updates on our Facebook Page PHOTO (right) Left to right Jack McElwain, Gary Rhinevault, President Roadrunner Rock. Gem and Mineral Club "JACK" Jonathan McElwain, Scholarship Recipient By Jackie Deal A slightly shy smile, but his face glows and his eyes sparkle when he talks about his parents. "My Mother is caring, she has a heart for service that has impacted and inspired me." "And my Dad is my role model as a man and a Father, he has helped and guided me. " Unusual words from a very unusual 20 year old student applying for a scholarship. This isn't Jack's fi rst application, he has received two other scholarships from Quartzsite Crafters, Rock, Gem and Mineral Club and QIA. He is enthusiastically pursuing three "majors": Electrical Engineer- ing, a Construction Trades Management, and Drafting. By end of 2020- 2021 he plans to have his B.S. Jack was born in California, moved to Bouse in Kindergarten and then to Quartzsite. He graduated in a class of three from Ed Ops School. His history in Quartzsite is way beyond impressive. He was the fi rst Eagle Scout to do a project in Quartzsite, planting trees and beautifying the Town Hall. He was the second Eagle Scout in Quartzsite (Roger Cush- man was fi rst) and he became an Eagle Scout at age 14 when the usual age is closer to 18. He was the fi rst in Quartzsite to win the "Super Nova" and also the "Order of the Arrow', both advanced scouting degrees. He was on the Governor's Youth Commission and was in Civil Air Patrol. As a youngster, Jack liked the idea of becoming a Basket Ball Coach; his Father set him down at the internet and had him check out the Department of Labor stats on available jobs. Jack was smart enough to realize that trade jobs (electrical, construction etc.) offered the most opportunities. He's well on his way to realizing his goals. Some of his college work has been in Yuma and some here at the Arizona Western College in Quartzsite. Wining scholarships three years in a row is not exactly a piece of cake. Each applicant must write a letter describing his background and goals. All sit before the scholarship board, usually 4 or 5 adults, who quiz and interview the applicants. Quartzsite administers combined scholarship money from individuals the Crafters, Rock, Gem and Mineral Club, Off Roaders, Bingo and the QIA. Community events, such as concerts by the late Paul Winer have been dedicated to scholarships. And "Snow birders" who love Quartzsite as much as "locals" have contributed to help local youth to a brighter future. $30,000 has been awarded in the last three years. You too can help: host a fund raiser, attend the local fund raisers, and donate items to the fund raisers. Yes, during the season you can call the QIA or Rock, Gem and Mineral Club to donate much needed funds. Or probably easier: make out a check to QRGMC (that's: Quartzsite Road- runners Rock, Gem and Mineral Club) be sure to put "scholarship funds" in the memo space. Address it to: P.O.Box 338, Quartzsite, AZ 85346. A "hands up to Quartzsite youth is much more effective than a "hand out". PHOTO ABOVE: Left to Right: Roger Nielsen, Chairman of Scholarship Committee, Jack McElwain, Richard Trusty, President of QIA, Gary Rhinevault, President of Roadrunners Rock. Gem and Mineral Club RV There Yet? Facebook RVerTV YouTube's # 1 RV Channel RVerTV.tv RV There Yet? Email: rvertv@gmail.com L a P a w s Dog Grooming Open Year-Round Locally Owned Large Dogs Welcome 928-216-1527 Call for appt 405 E. Ironwood, Quartzsite FULL SERVICE DEADLINE : WED. APRIL 8 TH for the April 15 TH edition Desert Messenger News Email: editor@DesertMessenger.com 928-916-4235 www.DesertMessenger.com

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