COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Building a Stronger Panhandle, Together
For nearly 50 years, the Oregon Trail Community Foundation has connected generous donors with real community needs. From scholarships and healthcare to the arts, history, environment, and recreation, we’re dedicated to enriching lives across the Panhandle. Every gift is carefully stewarded to create lasting impact—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
SERVES PROMOTES RESPONDS
Photo by Rick Myers
Sharon Hoffman Music Educator's Scholarship
For Graduating Seniors and College students pursuing a degree in Music Education
One $1,000 scholarship will be given annually to a High School graduating senior with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher or a college student pursuing a degree in Music Education.
Applicants may pursue a bachelor’s degree and attend a four-year college or university.
Deadline for application and supporting documents is April 1st.
Recipients will be announced in May.
The scholarship will be rescinded and awarded to the alternate if the recipient
does not enroll as a fulltime student for the first semester for which the
scholarship is awarded.
Past Scholarship Recipients
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2014 Shalee Roseberry – Scottsbluff ($500)
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2015 Jordan Salazar – Scottsbluff ($500)
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2016 Traceten Halley – Scottsbluff ($500)
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2017 Mallory Anthony - Scottsbluff ($500)
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2018 Juan Torres - Scottsbluff ($500)
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2019 Kaya Vonberg - Scottsbluff ($500)
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2020 Gabriela Aguilar - Scottsbluff ($500)
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2021 Ashlyn Ibero - Scottsbluff ($500)
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2022 Peyton Kriewald - Scottsbluff ($500)
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2023 Michael Mickey - Scottsbluff ($500)
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2024 Megan Peister - Scottsbluff $500
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2025 Brandon Baker - Scottsbluff $500
Sharon M. Hoffman
Sharon Hoffman (Arthur) was born in Gordon, NE on September 3, 1956 to William and Dorothy Arthur. She grew up in Rushville, NE and attended Chadron State College, where she was later inducted into the Music Education Hall of Fame. Sharon and her husband Ron were married at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Scottsbluff, NE in 1984, and raised three children in Bayard, NE, where she was beloved as the music teacher for 34 years.
Sharon spent her career caring for her students and directing award winning choirs and show choirs. She was known nationwide as an expert in music education in small schools, and in the late 80's her Masters thesis helped to shape the face of maternity leave in Nebraska schools. She served as the Mentorship Chair on the Executive Board of the Nebraska Music Educators Association, which honored her as the Outstanding Music Educator in 2006 and was the Nebraska Schools Activity Association District 6 Representative for over 30 years. In 2007 the Nebraska Federation of High Schools recognized her as the Outstanding Music Educator of the year.
First and foremost, Sharon loved her family more than anything. She asked nothing for herself and did anything and everything for the people she loved. Her devotion to her husband was second to none. Her children never knew anything but her complete pride and support. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and although their time with her was short, it is beyond precious.
Sharon Hoffman