Meet Dave Riek

Sometimes extracurricular involvement can be highly influential in helping us find our path in life, and that statement couldn’t be any truer for Dave Riek, the general manager for the KAWC radio station.

Mr. Riek initially had an interest in politics and law and he had the opportunity to exercise examining and discussing these subjects in his high school debate team, but it wasn’t until he got into debate in college that his plans changed.

“I got my scholarship to NAU because I was involved with the debate team [at college] and at NAU, I continued to do that,” said Mr. Riek, “. . . A friend of mine said, ‘Hey, you should check out this radio thing’ and when I tried it, I was doing the exact same stuff but on a radio and it was a lot more fun. So I decided I wasn’t going to become a lawyer, I was going to become a radio guy, and it’s been a natural fit and I’ve really enjoyed it ever since.”

For Mr. Riek, that discovery and involvement wouldn’t have been possible without his degree, which he was able to finish thanks to his scholarship. Today, he remains thankful for the help he’s received and pays it forward by having $10 from each of his paychecks sent to the AWC Foundation and assisting in the yearly “Radio Active Variety Show” fundraiser in addition to the La Cosecha scholarship that he and his wife, Dr. Ellen Riek, currently fund.

“The main thing is that, especially as somebody who’s been through college and knows how much it’s affected your life and improved your life,” he said, “to be able to pass that on to other people, I think that makes you feel good.”

Mr. Riek is the KAWC general manager and has a bachelor’s of science degree from NAU.

Jacob Louis Daily Memorial Scholarship

Growing up Jake was the pesky brother who drove his other three siblings crazy at times. To his parents, Jake was the dependable one who could always be trusted to do some of the heavy lifting around the house. Jake loved playing sports and was quite athletic. Jake was also incredibly smart but never came off as a know-it-all. He was just one of those naturally brilliant people who could recall facts or trivia with ease. While in high school, Jacob was involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program all four years and served as chapter treasurer.

Jake's friends were people he'd known since grade school. Jake was very loyal and would do anything to help a friend in need. He was someone that everyone loved and no one had an ill word to say about him. He had an amazing work ethic and was always willing to help when needed. Jake was a quiet person... until you got him talking and then you couldn't make him stop. He would tell jokes that cracked his family and friends up.

Jacob passed away in March 2009 from injuries sustained from a work-related truck accident. He had just turned 24, and his family made the decision to donate his organs knowing it was what he would have wanted. Jake died a hero as he was able to give the gift of life and save many people by donating his liver, both kidneys, pancreas, corneas as well as being a tissue and bone donor. This Jacob Daily Memorial Scholarship was created to honor Jacob's legacy. His family is grateful to the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association for honoring Jacob in this way by giving back to deserving students to fulfill their higher education goals.

Austin Vaughan Memorial Scholarship

Austin Fred Vaughan….there were so many qualities about this young man and the way he decided his future.  Austin started in his junior year at Antelope Union High School researching careers and calling the schools he was interested in attending.  When he narrowed down his choice, nothing held him back.  Austin spoke to the instructor at Chandler-Gilbert Electrical Utility Technology (EUT) Program and was given the outline of what he needed to do to get a spot in the course.  Austin did not waste time, he met with Josie Uriarte, Center Assistant of the Wellton Learning Center, and with her help he completed the requirements needed.  Because of his determination, Austin landed a spot at the Chandler-Gilbert EUT Program for August of 2013.

At the same time Austin was completing the courses for the EUT Program, he had become interested in the Volunteer Fire Department in Tacna, Arizona.  There was an instant love and desire born in him to help his community, he took this very seriously and did not miss his meetings or training sessions.  On the night of Austin’s high school graduation in May of 2012, Joe Rivera, Chief of the Tacna Fire Department and Gary Shaw, Assistant Chief,  presented him with his fireman badge.  Austin was so proud and a part of him matured that night.  He had worked hard and his reward now was taking care of his community and being able to stand with  his “band of brothers”.

We miss him so much.

Robert, Marjorie, Shepard, Prestin and Aja Vaughan

Austin's family established this scholarship in honor of their son to help students are not Pell Eligible, have attended Yuma County Public Schools, and are pursuing a Fire Science or Electrical Technicial degree or certificate.