YREKA - At the final District-1 California High School Rodeo Association rodeo of the year, last Saturday, 31 seniors were honored with scholarships—including the naming of the Ryan Clarke Memorial Sportsmanship awards.

The Ryan Clarke Memorial Sportsmanship award has been given since 1987 in memory of a small boy who loved cowboys and planned to be one when he grew up, but was killed in a tragic ranch accident. The 2008 honorees were Katy Fitzgerald of Litchfield, and Chad Bushnell from Red Bluff. The winners were chosen by their fellow rodeo competitors.

The Jim Owens Memorial Ranch Rodeo named Gridley resident Zach McFarland, and Katie Loverin of Cottonwood as recipients of $2000 scholarships. Other recipients were Chad Bushnell from Red Bluff ($ 750). Bliss Bidwell (Hat Creek), Brittany Moore (Red Bluff), and Megan DeBraga (Red Bluff) each received $ 250.

Four scholarships of $250 each were given by family and friends in memory of long-time District-1 supporters Esther and Ben Anderson. Recipients were Adam Andreini (Red Bluff), Zach McFarland, Bliss Bidwell, and Kendra Hemphill (Tulelake).
More than $6,000 worth of additional District-1 scholarships were also awarded:
$ 800 - Bliss Bidwell.
$ 750 - Kendra Hemphill.
$ 700 - Katie Loverin and Zach McFarlane.
$ 500 - Adam Andreini.
$ 400 - Brittany Moore, Katy Fitzgerald, and Lacy
Hanna (Etna).
$ 300 - Chad Bushnell and Clint Johnson (Etna).
$ 200 - Cody Parker (Williams) and Katie Lear (Anderson).
$ 150 - Frank Johnson (Etna) and Ashley Delphia (Red Bluff).
$ 50 - Samantha Catagna (Oroville) and Cassie Armstead (Shasta Lake).

There will also be a $250 state scholarship for a non-qualifying senior (A senior that was not in the top five of his or her event, and will not be going to state finals). The winner will be announced at a later date.