Our Short History
In 2011 Melissa Malm and Chris Peck conceived the idea to start a scholarship fund for local high school students, in memory of passed Jackson Hole Ski Patrollers.
Two years later they were able to award the first scholarship to Jackson Hole High School student Morgan McGlashon. Morgan went on to Middlebury College, returning to Jackson Hole after graduating where she continues to pursue and share her passion for outdoor adventure.
In April 2015 the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol Memorial Scholarship Fund received 501(c)3 nonprofit status enabling more opportunities to fundraise in earnest and allow participation in the Community Foundation of Jackson Holes’ annual fundraiser, Old Bills Fun Run.
Since 2013, we have awarded over $200,00 in college scholarships, supporting further education and enriching the lives of our local students in the spirit and memory of patrollers no longer with us.
In 2024 ski patroller Eric Lynch approached the board to propose a new name for the fund, Friends of RPK Memorial Fund, and his ideas for expanding the funds’ mission to include scholarships for first responders to pursue further education opportunities.
The board wholeheartedly welcomed Erics’ ideas and worked toward implementing those changes.
Now in 2025 we have a new name, an expanded mission statement and board to reflect our desire to support our community in memory of passed ski patrollers.