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R IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PAULDEN, AZ – June 23, 2022 – For the 7th consecutive year Gunsite Academy, the world’s premier firearms training facility is proud to host The Stephanie Lynne Calams Memorial Scholarship Combat Competition Match. The goal of this fundraiser is to assist low income kids in attending college.
Stephanie Calams was a schoolteacher who taught English as a 2nd language to 6th graders. She focused all her energy toward preparing her students for academic success, tutoring before and after school, buying school supplies from her own pocket, doing what she could. Stephanie died suddenly from a stroke at 26 years old. The Memorial Scholarship Fund started by her parents was created to honor his daughter and her unwavering belief that every child is capable of progressing themselves toward a positive future.
“Stephanie pushed me to do this. She was an angel”, said her father, Jim Calams, “She believed every child should have the opportunity to go to college. She taught her students that with hard work and dedication, no goal was out of reach.” All the funds raised from this event stay in Yavapai County helping the local community. This year’s recipient of the Scholarship Award is 18 year old Leslie Estrada, from the Chino Valley area who plans on attending the University of Kentucky.
In addition to awarding the scholarship, the Memorial Scholarship Fund also honors local citizens with the “Hometown Hero Award” for their contributions to the community. This year’s recipients were Jon Snyder, Ron Waters, Greg Dust and Bill Kowalski. Each received the award for their commitment in helping the community and their fellow citizens.
Over 100 people participated in the match at Gunsite Academy. Hosting the event pro bono, the Gunsite staff volunteered their time to ensure the fundraiser was a success. “Gunsite is more than just the finest firearms training academy in the Republic. We are a strong partner with our community”, explained Gunsite CEO Ken Campbell. “The Calams Match returns monies to one of our greatest assets: the local youth. We are proud to be a part of such a great endeavor.”
Added Cindy Daniels, Asst. Superintendent of Chino Valley United School District “Chino Valley School District and Chino Valley Education Foundation have been so blessed by the Stephanie Calams Foundation through their generous contribution to both our Family Resource Center and through the scholarship for Class of 22 graduate, Leslie Estrada. Through the annual fundraiser at Gunsite, we have been pleased to recommend Hometown Heroes for recognition of their efforts on behalf of children in our community
