OJC Press Release ID: 2560

Monday, September 12, 2016

MacKenzie Dawn King receives 11th Annual Andrew Ricken Memorial Scholarship

MacKenzie King was honored as the 11th annual Andrew Ricken Memorial Scholarship winner on July 30 at the Bent County Fair Car Show in Las Animas. MacKenzie sang the national anthem at the beginning of the show, then was asked to remain on stage to be awarded the scholarship of 6 credit hours at Otero Junior College.

King is the daughter of Billie and Kimberlie King of Las Animas. She graduated from Colorado Virtual Academy this past May. King’s plans after receiving her Associate of Arts degree from OJC are still open. Currently employed by LA Café in Las Animas, King enjoys singing, sketching, painting, sewing and jewelry making in her free time.

Andrew Ricken attended Las Animas schools from kindergarten through graduation in 2001. He was an active member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and his church youth group. A founding member of Muscle Cars Unlimited and a member of Christian Motor Club, Ricken loved working on vehicles and going to shows. He had aspirations to attend Wyoming Tech after working to save money to pay for his tuition. Ricken was killed in a car wreck on August 20, 2001.

His family, as well as members of Wheels Ablaze Muscle Car Ministry, have established a memorial scholarship fund to honor at least one area graduate each year.

“We feel he would have wanted us to help other young students reach their dreams in life and help pave their road to success,” said Doug and Missy Ricken, Andrew’s parents.

Doug and Missy Ricken stand with this year’s Andrew Ricken Memorial Scholarship winner, MacKenzie Dawn King who is working on her Associate of Arts degree at Otero Junior College.