This scholarship fund was established by the Beauchamp family and the Far West Nordic Ski Association in memory of Ted Beauchamp, a long time supporter of cross country skiing and a dedicated member of the Far West board of directors. Ted had a deep love for the outdoors and had a passion for nordic skiing, which he passed on to others. Ted taught and coached many local youths and helped pass on some of his love for skiing to them. He was always there to volunteer for any event and to help with the coaching at the races. Ted’s two children, James and Emily, both have been highly successful participants in cross country ski racing in the Far West and Ted ‘s wife, Sue, has been an active supporter of the Far West Nordic Ski Association.

The Scholarship Fund of $300 per recipient is set up to help a different individual each year who shows a deep love for nordic skiing, is a dedicated athlete who has the desire and potential to compete at the national level, and may have some financial need. The recipient is chosen each spring by the Far West Board and the Beauchamp family.

Recent past recipients include Scott Hill, Jenna Harlow, Dominic Henriques, Natalie Joffe, Nick Sterling, Kati Clark, Phillip Violett, Bernie Nelson, and August Brautigam. The 2007 Scholarship recipients include Dayna Stimson and Alex Ferneyhough.

Stimson, a Junior at Mammoth High School, has been Nordic racing competitively since the 6th grade, and has shown a steady and marked improvement year by year. Currently a J1 (16-17 year old) racer, she has represented Far West at the national level since she was 13 years old, starting with her first Junior Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. She is a veteran of 4 JO’s. Her breakthrough year occurred this past winter, where she took the title of High School State Champion for California/Nevada. Stimson then went on this year to have exceptional results on the national level, highlighted by her 4th place finish in the Freestyle Competition in the Junior Olympics at Soldier Hollow, Utah. A team leader, Stimson continues to show the Nordic community that she is deserving of this award.

Alex Ferneyhough has also been skiing competitively since 6th grade, where he starred for Alder Creek Middle School, and has gone on to 4 years of racing for Truckee High School. A graduating senior this year, Ferneyhough has led his team by example, training throughout the year to improve his rankings on the nordic team. Even while injured much of last autumn with a wrist injury, Ferneyhough still trained at every team workout, roller skiing without poles for mile after mile, showing the fortitude and dedication necessary of top cross country ski racers. A veteran of 3 Junior Olympics, starting with the 2005 competition at Auburn Ski Club, Ferneyhough’s 2007 was a second place in this year’s Silver Rush 30 kilometer race at Royal Gorge.

Tax deductible donations to the Ted Beauchamp Scholarship Fund are welcome and will allow us to continue this great program. Checks made out to the Far West Nordic Ski Association (Ted Beauchamp Scholarship Fund) and can be sent to:

Far West Nordic Ski Education Association
PO Box 10046
Truckee CA 96162