McCormick scholarship raffle underway

Each year, VFW Post 2281 honors the memory of Sergeant William T. McCormick, by providing a scholarship for Hot Springs County High School students in his name.

McCormick was born Oct. 28, 1947 and raised in Thermopolis, and was a star athlete. He was also very scholarly and well respected.

While attending high school, McCormick participated in activities that included Student Council, Language Club and four years of T-Club, in which he served as vice president. He was a member of the National Honor Society, was elected senior class president and attended Boys' State.

He lettered in football, swimming and track, and held the Hot Springs County High School track and field record in high hurdles, low hurdles and high jump. He was state champion in high hurdles and high jump, and was nominated "best athlete" his senior year.

In 1966, he was awarded the Kiwanis Scholarship, VFW honor pin, the Bausch and Lomb Science Award and the University of Wyoming honor scholarship.

After high school, in which he graduated 14th out of 107 students, he joined the military and went to Vietnam.

At 22 years old, and having served only 10 months with the Seventh Air Cavalry, McCormick became the first Hot Springs County Vietnam fatality. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor in action shortly before his death.

Lifetime VFW member Jeff Strong said the VFW has run the scholarship for many years, raising funds on behalf of the family. While the $600 scholarship is open for all high school students to apply for, preference goes to those who are siblings or children of veterans.

Raffle tickets are on sale, with proceeds going to the scholarship fund. Tickets are $10 each, with prizes of gift certificates from Blair's for $100 or $75 in groceries. Tickets are available at the VFW Club, from VFW Post 2281 members or by calling Strong at 921-2390. The drawing is set for April 15 at the VFW Club.