Scholarship winners Cassidy Byrd, Rachel Baudo, Madison Lutterman, Cade Holland, and Titus Rust with Rotary member Charles Centilli.
Ruidoso NM - Five Lincoln County graduating seniors received scholarships from the Rotary Club of Ruidoso at the club's May 5 meeting, continuing a tradition of investing in the educational futures of local young people.
The scholarships, funded by the club's popular Enchilada Dinner and Bingo Night held each March and October, went to students heading to universities across three states to pursue careers in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and the sciences.
- Cade Holland (Ruidoso High School) — Attending Carolina University in Winston-Salem, NC, to major in secondary education
- Titus Rust (home school student) — Attending Dakota Wesleyan University to study entrepreneurial leadership
- Rachel Baudo (Ruidoso High School) — Attending New Mexico State University to study kinesiology, with plans for a career in healthcare
- Cassidy Byrd (Ruidoso High School) — Attending Texas Tech University to major in nursing
- Madison Lutterman (Ruidoso High School) — Attending New Mexico State University to major in biology
The five students represent a range of academic backgrounds and career goals, but share a common thread: roots in Lincoln County and ambitions that will carry them forward.
"It's great to know we're able to support the goals and growth of our local students," said Rotary President-Elect Mike Garrettson. "It's also humbling how it ties us to all the Ruidoso Rotarians that have come before us and the support that our club has long provided to young people in our community."
The club's Enchilada Dinner and Bingo Night has become a fixture on the Ruidoso community calendar, drawing residents together twice a year for food, fun, and fundraising. The proceeds go directly to scholarships like these — a fact Garrettson wants more people to understand.
"Everyone knows about our enchilada and bingo events in March and October, but if they've ever wondered what happens with the money we raise, scholarships for local students is a large part of it," he said. "As people of action, we're proud to contribute to the future of our community."
The next Enchilada Dinner and Bingo Night is scheduled for October 2026, with proceeds going toward the next round of scholarship awards.
For more information about the Rotary Club of Ruidoso, visit the club on Facebook.
Contact: Sean Chaffin | seanchaffin@sbcglobal.net | 575-686-8796