Michael David McKelvey
“Finding Freedom” Legacy Scholarship
About Michael David McKelvey
On February 18, 2021, Mike McKelvey, formerly of Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, was tragically caught in an avalanche at Togwotee Pass in Jackson, Wyoming. Mike was wearing a beacon, his riding partners located him under 12 feet of snow and performed CPR. He was life-flighted to Idaho Falls but succumbed to his injuries before arriving at the hospital.
A beloved member of the snowboarding community and an avid photographer, Mike worked for the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort as part of the Park & Pipe Crew where he was a creative problem solver and builder of parks, including the Natural Selection course.
Creation of a Scholarship Fund
Mike’s family created a GoFundMe page to start a scholarship so that other like-minded boarders can enjoy the backcountry with the benefit of training and equipment. $5 suggested donation to apply.
“I am a painter and a drawer in many mediums. I tell stories, some written, some spoken, and some visually. I love to make magic happen… and life-lasting memories. I encourage other people to have fun and help them achieve it.”
– Michael David McKelvey
Applying For The Scholarship
The Michael David McKelvey “Finding Freedom” Legacy Scholarship Program has been set up for five splitboarders to attend an Avalanche Level 1 Course provided by Jackson Hole Outdoor Leadership Institute in Jackson, WY and they will also each receive a beacon, a shovel, and a probe. Five runners-up will also each receive a beacon. Applications are now being accepted for the training which will be December 9-12, 2021. Travel to and accommodations in Jackson will be the responsibility of the recipient. Deadline for submission is November 1, 2021. Applicants selected for the scholarship will be announced and notified in late November.
Splitboarders can apply for the scholarship by responding to the following in written form:
Application period has closed.
This scholarship is graciously provided through the generosity of Kim and Dave McKelvey in partnership with the JHOLI and support of the Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation.
