Meet Our 2023 Scholarship Recipient: Becca McGinley

July 28, 2023 —

“We cannot say enough positive things about Becca,” remarked Kim Larabee, our Front Desk manager.

Unilaterally, that’s the sentiment of the type of team player Becca McGinley has been for us at The Prairie Club.

We are thrilled to present her as our 2023 Foundation Scholarship recipient.

Becca is in her fourth summer with the club, having started with us in 2020. Her first two years she spent in housekeeping, her third season was at the Front Desk, and this year, she’s served in a hybrid role.

The club was in a place of need and Becca was among the many who stepped up to the plate.

“Becca works six long days per week, alternating days between Front Desk and housekeeping. How many young adults are willing give that to an employer during summer break?” added Kim.

“What a joy she is to work with — an extreme asset to our club.”

For those of you who haven’t had the chance to visit with Becca, we’d love to share more.

She’s born and raised in Valentine, graduating as a Badger in the spring of 2022. Her two parents — Mark and Jessica — live in Valentine, where her father does delivery for FritoLay and her mother is a teacher at Todd County.

Also, her mother works at the Front Desk, too.  Perhaps you’ve seen Jessica during check-in!

To round out family life, Becca also has two older brothers living in Spearfish, a younger sister who is a junior in high school, and a family black labrador named Tess that she adores.

She is currently attending Northeast Community College in Norfolk where she aims to be a physical therapist assistant. She’s in a two-year program currently.

“I really am so appreciative to The Prairie Club members,” said Becca. “I really love working out here and that’s why I keep coming back year after year. Getting this scholarship will help me be able to focus more on my schooling as I finish up and look to enter the world of physical therapy.”

While in high school, Becca was a track athlete. One season, she suffered a pretty bad hamstring injury.

She was able to work with a physical therapist during her rehabilitation and found the work fascinating.

“I just want to be able to help people the same way I was helped,” Becca said.

During high school, she also developed her love for golf. She still enjoys the game.

When asked her favorite part about the job, she talked about the people.

“I love to visit with the people that come to the club,” she shared. “It don’t mind housekeeping, it’s good work, but I really like the Front Desk because of the neat interactions.”

Becca will head back to school here in August and will be missed.

Mandi Loughran discussed the value of having employees like Becca.

“Becca is the ideal example of a team player.

She has a wonderful personality and disposition which makes her a great fit for the Front Desk team.  But she is also filling many hours in housekeeping, as it is needed and she is willing. She is a quick learner and assists any department with a smile.”

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To learn more, read up on our Foundation Scholarship here.

To make a donation to our Foundation Scholarship, please contact Mandi Loughran.

The Foundation Scholarship was established in 2013 with the goal of empowering the youth of Cherry County here in Nebraska. This foundation is 100% member-sponsored. Eligible applicants are employees of The Prairie Club pursuing higher education.