WANNA RIDE FOUNDATION • 2026
Meet Our Ride Scholars
Three Wyoming students. Three paths forward. One community behind them. $2,000 AWARDED THIS YEAR
PRESENTED AUGUST 15, 2026
Why We Ride
Every dollar raised at our Annual Memorial Ride & Scavenger Hunt goes toward students like these — Wyoming kids with big dreams, real determination, and the grit to make it happen. This year we're proud to award $2,000 in scholarships across three outstanding recipients. Come meet them on August 15th and cheer them on in person!
🏆 COMMITTEE WINNER
Kyler Montez
University of Wyoming
Accounting
CASPER, WYOMING
The Kid Who Shows Up
Kyler Montez is the kind of person who doesn't just talk about hard work — he demonstrates it every single day. A Natrona County High School graduate with a 3.78 GPA, Kyler tackled Calculus, AP courses, and dual enrollment at LCCC while working and finding time to mentor younger athletes as a hockey goalie coach.
"He shows up — for his team, his classmates, and his community — without ever being asked."
What makes Kyler stand out isn't just his resume. It's the quiet stuff. His art teacher noted that he donates his pottery to the local soup kitchen. His mentors describe a young man who helps classmates without being prompted. He didn't stumble into accounting — he took the class, loved it, and never looked back. That's how you want someone to choose their future.
Kyler landed on four of five committee ballots and earned the top spot fair and square. Our riders are going to love him. 🤠
⭐ FOUNDER'S PICK
Jace McGregor
University of Wyoming
Pre-Medicine / Optometry
GILLETTE, WYOMING
Wyoming Through and Through
If you want to understand Jace McGregor, picture a Gillette kid who spends his free time dirt biking, fishing, hunting, and backpacking in the mountains. That's not manufactured — that's just Tuesday in Campbell County. Jace is about as Wyoming as it gets, and his connection to the outdoors isn't just a hobby — it's woven into who he is and why he wants to help people.
"When he tells the crowd at our event why he wants to become a doctor, they're going to feel it."
With a 3.851 Hathaway GPA and a transcript that balances Calculus and Human Anatomy with Welding III and Auto Technology, Jace is building his mind and his hands at the same time. He was promoted to team lead at his lawn care job as a teenager, earned a two-time "Mr. Hustle" award from his soccer coach, and worked ranch operations on the side.
Jace carries the highest financial need of any applicant in this year's pool. This scholarship means he spends less time worrying about how to pay for school — and more time becoming the kind of Wyoming doctor this state needs.
🌟 COMMUNITY PICK
Elijah Fletcher
University of Wyoming
Agriculture / Animal Science
WYOMING RANCHING ROOTS
The Comeback Story
Elijah Fletcher's path to UW is not a straight line — and that's exactly what makes it worth telling. There was a time when college wasn't part of his plan. Then he found meat judging. Then he found a mentor who saw something in him. Then he earned an associate's degree at Clarendon College in Texas, turned down an offer from Texas Tech, and came home to Wyoming.
"He didn't stumble into agriculture — he came back to it. That's a different kind of commitment."
Elijah's recommender McKensie Phillips at UW writes about him with rare specificity — this isn't boilerplate praise, it's the testimony of someone who watched a young man rebuild his sense of direction from the ground up. His Wyoming ranching heritage isn't just background; it's the reason he chose to come back and invest in this state's agricultural future.
Elijah received votes from three of five committee members. His story is the kind that sticks with you — and the kind that fits the Wanna Ride spirit perfectly. 🤠
Meet Them on August 15th
All three Ride Scholars will be present at this year's Memorial Ride & Scavenger Hunt. Come ride, come celebrate, and come cheer them on in person!
August 15, 2026 • 2 Power Line Rd, Laramie, WY
Register at thewannaridefoundation.com/registration →
WE RIDE • WE SHARE • WE CARE
Wanna Ride Scholarship
Your Dreams Matter to Us!
Sometimes the best adventures begin with a single step - and today, that step might just be opening this page!
At the Wanna Ride Foundation, we believe education is the ultimate adventure. Whether you're dreaming of a four-year university, community college, trade school, or any educational path that gets your heart racing, we want to be part of your journey.
Why We Created Our Own Scholarship Program
We decided to step away from larger institutional scholarships to create something more personal - because every student deserves to be seen, heard, and supported as an individual. We're not just writing checks; we're building relationships and cheering you on every step of the way.
What Makes Us Different
Your Choice, Your Path: University, community college, trade school - we support whatever educational dream you're chasing
Personal Connection: You'll hear directly from us, not through a bureaucratic system
Wyoming Heart: We understand the unique challenges and opportunities of growing up in our beautiful state
Ongoing Support: This isn't just a one-time award - we want to celebrate your successes along the way
Personalized Scholarship Awards
Here's something truly unique about our program: We don't believe in one-size-fits-all award amounts.
Every student's situation is different. Some need help with tuition, others with books and supplies, some with living expenses, and others might need support for specialized equipment or tools for their trade program.
Your Award is Determined By:
Your individual financial need
Your educational goals and program costs
Your personal story and circumstances
The impact the scholarship will have on your specific situation
This means we might award $500 to one student for books and supplies that will make all the difference, or $3,000 to another student facing significant tuition challenges. It's not about comparing you to other applicants - it's about understanding what YOU need to succeed.
Important Requirement for All Scholarship Recipients:
All scholarship recipients are required to attend our fall fundraiser (Memorial Ride and Scavenger Hunt) so they can see firsthand what we do to raise funds for scholarships and personally thank everyone who supports our mission. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet our community of supporters and become part of the Wanna Ride family!
Don't worry - you don't need to participate in the ride itself, but your presence at the event helps us celebrate the impact of community support and shows our donors how their contributions make a real difference in students' lives.
Who Can Apply?
High school juniors who have been accepted to their chosen program
High school seniors or graduates planning to pursue post-secondary education
Current college students continuing their education
Students pursuing any form of post-secondary education (university, community college, trade school, technical programs)
Wyoming residents or students with strong Wyoming connections
Students who demonstrate determination, heart, and dreams worth supporting
Remember: We're not just looking for perfect GPAs or endless volunteer hours. We're looking for students with heart, determination, and dreams worth supporting. Your story matters!
What We're Really Looking For
When reviewing applications, we focus on:
Your authentic story (not what you think we want to hear)
Your educational goals and how you plan to achieve them
How you've overcome challenges or made a difference in your community
Your dreams for the future and how education will help you get there
Your connection to Wyoming's values and outdoor spirit
Application Tips
Take Your Time
We'd rather read a thoughtful application than a rushed one. If you have questions while filling it out, don't hesitate to reach out - we're here to help!
The application will walk you through everything, but here are some tips:
Be honest and authentic in your responses
Share specific examples and stories, not just general statements
Explain how the scholarship will make a real difference in your life
Proofread your responses before submitting
Don't be afraid to show your personality!
Application Deadline
March 1st
This gives you plenty of time to put together a strong application while still allowing us to get awards out before graduation season gets crazy.
Ready to Apply? Your path to education starts with clicking that button below. We can't wait to learn about your dreams!
*Complete application available through our Google Form
Questions About Your Application?
Patty Leatherwood
Founder & Director
Wanna Ride Foundation
Phone: (307) 343-0550
Email: patty@wannaridefoundation.com
Website: thewannaridefoundation.com
Don't let anyone tell you your dreams are too big or too small. We've learned that the best adventures often come from the most unexpected places!