AmateurGolfScholarship-06-09-16During the 14th annual Mesquite Amateur golf tournament, Mesquite Gaming and the Board of the Bruce King Memorial Fund awarded its 2016 recipient, Jackelyn Rivera, with $5,000 toward the university of her choice on Wednesday, June 1. Rivera, a graduate of Virgin Valley High School, will attend the University of Nevada Reno. She was the winning finalist, selected from 19 applicants. The money for the scholarship comes from funding raised during Mesquite Amateur. Mesquite Gaming donates $1,000 to the Bruce King Memorial scholarship fund each year.

The Bruce King Memorial Scholarship is awarded to one Virgin Valley High School senior each year during the Mesquite Amateur week in memory of King, who participated in the first 10 years of the Mesquite Amateur before passing of cancer in 2012. The Board is made up of Mesquite Amateur participants who played alongside King and wish to carry out his passion of education.

“We’re so excited to award such a deserving gal who has worked so hard toward this next chapter of attending college,” said George Salcedo, president of the Bruce King Memorial Board. “This scholarship is our way of giving back in Bruce’s name and Jackelyn will do great things in her bright future ahead at UNR.”

Rivera works the front desk at Virgin River Hotel/Casino/Bingo part-time.

“This scholarship is such an amazing way to see how tourism and special events in our city can make a great impact in the lives of our citizens,” said Christian Adderson, Mesquite Amateur tournament director and corporate sales manager for Mesquite Gaming. “We’re so proud of these partnerships and proud to support in this initiative through the Mesquite Amateur each year. Jackelyn is a member of our Mesquite Gaming family and we’re thrilled to see her awarded this honor.”