Letter to the Editor: Seeking support for Three Forks High School Memorial Scholarship

In Memory of: Bob Duncan, Damon Boyington and Coach Jerry LaRoque

Dear Former TFHS Grads and community members,

I am once again asking for donations for the Three Forks H.S. Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund has provided scholarships to TFHS graduates since 2000 totaling over $8000. The fund balance is currently at $18000 and the yearly interest is providing scholarship funds around $800 per year. My goal has always been around $50,000 in funds that would provide 2 -$1000 Scholarships per year. I know this is a lofty goal but small donations add up quickly.

I decided to push for more donations this year because we lost two members of the 1974 State Class B basketball Championship team. Damon Boyington (our loyal manager) and Bob Duncan (our starting center) were my classmates and graduated in 1974 with me. To add to the pain of loss, our great Coach Jerry LaRoque just passed in April 2023. In their memory I was hoping to generate more donations for this fund.

The 1974 Championship was Three Forks HS first state basketball championship and I hope it has been an inspiration to all athletes in a small town to believe big. A great coach and a bunch for scrappy players won it all. I started this fund after the loss of my friend and teammate Chuck Harden (’74) who died in a tragic accident in 1998. I thank everyone for their support of this fund. The loss of Damon, Bob and Coach Laroque reminded me of the importance of small town friendships and the support of the community. Please join me in supporting this scholarship fund for our future students at Three Forks High School.

Donations can be made to the: Three Forks HS Memorial Scholarship Fund, with checks payable to the: Montana Community Foundation, PO Box 1145, Helena, MT 59624.

All donations are tax deductible.

The Montana Community Foundation is an organization designed to manage scholarship funds and community nonprofits funds to benefit small communities. They distribute the funds back to the community based on the growth of the funds. They are professionally managed and have provided wonderful results over the years.

I will be placing preaddressed envelopes around the community in the following weeks. I will inform the community of those locations on the: Three Forks, My Hometown, Facebook page when I receive the printed envelopes. You can also contact me for envelopes and more information. See you at the Rodeo!

Thanks again,

Mark Vandolah

PO Box 1330

Three Forks, MT 59752

markv1974@msn.com