Royce Ponton gave birth to a new baby boy, Leviathan Wayne Ponton, at 12:53 a.m. on Jan. 1, the first baby of 2020 at Carson Tahoe; he also achieved the title of first Northern Nevada baby born in 2020!

But, unbeknownst to Royce, she had even more to celebrate! For the first time ever, Western Nevada College provided the first New Years baby a full academic scholarship through the colleges foundation. Now, when Leviathan is of age and decides to explore higher education, he will have one less thing to worry about following high school graduation.

The donation came as a wonderful surprise to the family.

We are so excited to receive such a significant, meaningful gift for our little boy from WNC and Carson Tahoe, Royce said. I would have loved a scholarship so Im grateful he will have the opportunity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

WNC has been providing convenient access to higher education since 1971, so with three campuses located in Carson City, Fallon, and Douglas County, Leviathan will have his choice of where to attend.

We welcome Leviathan into the Wildcat family, said WNC President Dr. Vincent Solis. We know what impact higher education can have on someones life and were excited to present this unique gift to him.

Each year, Carson Tahoe Health puts together a basket full of goodies for both the first baby born of the new year and the last baby born of the previous year. It takes a bit of luck, too, as Carson Tahoe Health delivered 1,250 babies this year, a hospital record, to date! In addition to the scholarship, Leviathan and his family received a plethora of new baby essentials from Carson Tahoe Health and WNC. As the regions only Baby-Friendly designated hospital, Carson Tahoe made certain all gifts enhanced optimal outcomes for mom and baby. Based on 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, this international program recognizes birthing facilities that offer mothers the information, confidence and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.

Although weve been offering a gift basket to the first baby born for many years, this year was especially exciting, said Carson Tahoe Director of Marketing & Public Information Diane Rush. With the addition of the generous gift from WNC, we were able to team up with our community partner to ensure a healthy start and a future education for this sweet baby.

So, what about the last baby born in 2019? The boy and his family didnt miss out on the spirit of giving. For more than 20 years, Western Nevada Cattlewomen has generously donated a $200 gift certificate for Butlers Meat to the last baby of the year, ensuring he or she isnt forgotten. Carson Tahoe welcomed a baby boy born Dec. 31, 2019, at 11:30 p.m. to Cidney Puff. The family also received a basket of Baby-Friendly new baby essentials from Carson Tahoe.