By Sage Faulkner, Chama Peak Land Alliance
Pagosa Springs High School seniors Ebanie Wilkins, Sierra Liverett, Nikolas Slead and Escalante Middle High School seniors Ruben Martinez and Hailey Marquez will be awarded scholarships from 262 Ranch in conjunction with the Chama Peak Land Alliance scholarship program. Chama Peak Land Alliance is a diverse group of conservation-minded landowners committed to embracing and practicing responsible land, water and wildlife stewardship in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico.
CPLA board member and 262 ranch owner, Joel Bernstein, is particularly proud of the Escalante students and the dual-credit college program that they have successfully participated in. His goal is to continue to help students gain a valuable education with the hopes that some will return to the area. “Their work ethic is impressive and many are graduating high school with a college degree. My hope is that some of them will come back to this area.”
In addition to submitting a scholarship application, students also had to write an essay on their goals, and they were encouraged to include their thoughts on conservation.
Hailey Marquez wrote in her essay, “I grew up witnessing and participating in conservation efforts on a daily basis. Whether it be by protecting nesting osprey or helping with lake shore clean up I was practicing responsible land, water and wildlife stewardship.”
Ruben Martinez included in his essay, “For me, it’s critical that people start practicing better wildlife conservation, preserving roads, and generally being more aware of the health of Apache Canyon and our national forests. I have grown up in these areas and the forest has brought me many joys.”
Pagosa Springs High School student Nikolas Slead’s essay included, “Since one particularly memorable lesson in 4th grade science on climate change, global warming, and sustainability, I have harbored great passion for conservation, and for furthering renewable energy and reducing emissions. I have been interested in renewable energy as a career field for nearly as long.”
Sierra Liverett wrote, “Service is a priority and passion for me, so I wish to align my education and future career with service, whether that be community service or global service.”
Ebanie Wilkins wrote, “My life goal includes becoming a nurse who makes the difficult times and days better. Specifically, I want to become a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse, and the Chama Peak Land Alliance Scholarship will help me achieve that goal.”
CPLA and 262 Ranch wish all the graduating seniors good luck. “We take great joy in assisting the next generation of global citizens through our scholarship program, and we wish all graduating seniors the very best of luck on their educational and career goals!” For more information on the CPLA scholarship and other CPLA programs, please look at the website at www.chamapeak.org.
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