05/13/2013
Along with Jo DePaolo, Chelse DePaolo-Lara will be presenting the Ron DePaolo Memorial Scholarship tonight at Kelly Walsh's Scholarship Ceremony! Here is her speech:
It is with humility that I present the Ron DePaolo Memorial Scholarship this evening. My name is Chelse DePaolo-Lara, and I am Ron’s oldest daughter. My dad lost his battle with a rare bone marrow disease called Milofibrosis in February of 2008. I had no idea that holding his hand as he passed from this earth would eventually lead to the honor of presenting college scholarship money to high school wrestling students.
I’m proud to share with you that my dad not only graduated from Kelly Walsh High School in 1970, he was also a member of the VERY first football team to beat the Mustangs in the Oil Bowl! He was also a state champion wrestler and he went on to play both sports at the collegiate level.
Until the day he died, my dad reminisced about his sports playing days in high school and college. His main message and motto in life was “Leave it all on the Field” and I can still clearly hear him say those words. The saying meant give 100% at everything you do, so that you aren’t left with any regret, and that is truly how my dad lived his life.
My dad was also a Lion in Casper’s local club because he believed in building a strong community through fellowship and civic engagement. He loved this place that he called home.
So, on behalf of the Lions club, my brothers, and my Mom Jo, I am pleased to present this scholarship to…
STAY TUNED! We will announce the winner AFTER the scholarship is awarded!