Mid-Plains Community College President Ryan Purdy, Area Vice-President of Academic Affairs and North Platte Community College Jody Tomanek and MPCC Rodeo Team Coach Dustin Elliott present Aukai Kaai, MPCC student and rodeo team member, with a $1,000 scholarship Wednesday night during a MPCC Board of Governors meeting.

It was the first time money from rodeo team fundraisers was used for a scholarship – typically, it goes toward traveling and other team expenses.

“We’re hoping to do this every semester,” said Elliott. “It’s a dual excellence scholarship because the students who receive it have to excel in both the arena and the classroom. They have to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to qualify.”

Kaai competes in bull riding and team roping. He’s a native of Waimānalo, Hawaii.