Bruce Miles (right) president of the Sugarloaf Ski Club presents a Norton Luce Scholarship Fund donation to Ski/Skate organizer Melissa Hoisington. Also pictured at the first annual event is Bob Luce. (David Hart photo) KINGFIELD — Tuesday, May 11, Bruce Miles and Bob Luce came to the Kingfield Elementary School to present MSAD #58 a check for $1,980.

The Sugarloaf Ski Club administers the Norton Luce Memorial Scholarship Fund dedicated to providing financial assistance so that kids can enjoy winter recreation at the many Sugarloaf outdoor offerings, in this instance supporting the Ski/Skate program.

Kingfield teacher and long term Ski/Skate organizer Melissa Hoisington was present to accept the donation. “This is awesome,” Hoisington said while receiving the check. “This donation assures that all kids can participate and helps create additional opportunities for our students with the Ski/Skate program.”

Scott Hoisington is the volunteer coordinator for the program on the mountain.

Before his passing, Norton Luce and his family requested that people contribute to the Ski Club Scholarship Funds rather than purchasing flowers during his funeral proceeding. The board of the Sugarloaf Ski Club decided to create a memorial fund in honor of Norton Luce, a former club president and long-term member.

“The Luce family has been very supportive and instru- mental to our kids’ programs in our area,” Miles explained.

“Our board has decided to make a five-year commitment for up to $2,000 per year for families who find it difficult to afford the program,” Miles said.

The Ski/Skate program offers kids the opportunity to ski or snowboard at Sugarloaf, cross country ski or skate at the Outdoor Center, all under the instruction of Sugarloaf outdoor professionals. Equipment is also offered to the local students at an entire package price of $5 per day. Last year some schools took advantage and participated anywhere from four to seven times.

Miles reported that over 70 student scholarships were offered, which was spread across the four elementary schools to offset the $5 per day cost.

“One of our goals is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate in Ski/Skate from a financial standpoint,” Miles said. The Sugarloaf Ski Club also contributes to this fund.

“I just think this is a great opportunity for the kids to take advantage of what Sugarloaf has to offer,” said Bob Luce.

Next season the club will celebrate its 60th year anniversary. “All of the things we do in the area are driven by our membership,” Miles said, encouraging people to join. Last season the club recorded over 450 memberships, which relates to 1,200 individuals.

People who want to support this fund geared toward expanding the Ski/Skate program can send donations to the Sugarloaf Ski Club, Norton Luce Fund, Village West 13, Carrabassett Valley, Maine 04947. “No donation is too small,” Miles said.