Carolina Rico earns first Pemberton scholarship

Ringling native Peck Pemberton has never forgotten his roots or ceased to be inspired by the lives and stories of the Oklahoma pioneers in his family, especially the pioneering women. 
In honor of the community where he grew up and the family’s deep community roots, Pemberton and his wife, Kathryn, have established a new endowed scholarship fund at the University of Oklahoma designated for graduating seniors at Ringling High School who will attend OU.
The Pembertons have funded the endowment with a gift of $125,000 and are providing a supplemental gift so the first scholarship can be awarded this spring. Eventually four $1,500 scholarships will be given each year.
“The University of Oklahoma is deeply grateful to Peck and Kathryn Pemberton for this generous scholarship, which will truly make a difference in the lives of generations of young people from the town of Ringling,” said OU President David L. Boren.
Presenting the first Peck and Kathryn Pemberton Scholarship will be Peck’s mother, Rose Pemberton Wilson, age 80, who continues to run a café in Healdton with her daughters, Sharon and Sandra.
Carolina Ruiz Rico, daughter of Carmen and Florentino Ruiz, is the first recipient of the Pemberton scholarship. The Ringling valedictorian, she is involved in various student organizations and groups, including student council, varsity cheerleading squad and band. She is president of the Ringling chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. She will be honored during the school’s annual awards ceremony on May 15.
A 1966 graduate of Ringling High School, Peck Lewis Pemberton and his family trace their roots in the Ringling area to the late 1800s, when family members settled south and west of the current town of Ringling. Pemberton has seven great-grandparents buried in Ringling Cemetery.
The scholarship is designated for Ringling High School graduates who are full-time, regularly enrolled students at OU. Students will be eligible to receive the $1,500 award each year for up to four years.