Eight students stand in a line looking out at a very green Mono Lake with waves on it and with a tufa island and the Mono Craters in the distance, and they are all wearing cool-weather outdoor gear.

Recipients of the 2016 Mono Lake Committee Scholarship

This month at graduation, the 2016 Mono Lake Committee Scholarship was awarded to Lee Vining High School seniors Berlin Del Aguila and Julie Harris. They demonstrated a clear connection to the Mono Basin in their essays, and we wish them all the best as they spread their wings and head for college.

Membership Coordinator Ellen King with scholarship recipient Berlin Del Aguila. Photo by Geoff McQuilkin.
Membership Coordinator Ellen King with scholarship recipient Berlin Del Aguila. Photo by Geoff McQuilkin.

From Berlin’s essay: “The longer I sit near the lake, appreciating the aromas, the songs of the birds, and the wildlife that surround it, I’m able to reflect on life and realize the things that are truly valuable to me. All the stress that has accumulated inside me as I prepare for college leaves my mind and disintegrates into the salty breeze.”

Ellen and Executive Director Geoff McQuilkin with scholarship recipient Julie Harris. Photo by Santiago Escruceria.
Ellen and Executive Director Geoff McQuilkin with scholarship recipient Julie Harris. Photo by Santiago Escruceria.

From Julie’s essay: “Many people come from all over the world to see, study the life, and witness the beauty of Mono Lake, while I get to have math class next to it. ….Mono Lake symbolizes the fight for beauty, the fight for unity, and the fight for sustaining a natural ecosystem.”

The Committee support students pursuing higher education who display a personal connection with Mono Lake with two $1,000 scholarships to the applicants with the best essays. Mono County resident high school seniors who have firm plans to attend a two- or four-year college within a year of graduation qualify for the Mono Lake Committee Scholarship.

Special thanks to the Mono Lake Committee members who make the scholarship program possible. If you are interested in the scholarship program please contact either me by email or Arya Degenhardt.

Top photo by Ava Stavros.

One comment

  1. Hello, in regards to the committees scholarship that they give out, may it be any HighSchool senior within California??? I have been camping with my family since I was four years old… & now that I am older, I have brought my three daughters up there as well… Hopefully one day I will be lucky enough to move up to Lee Vining, although my grandparents did live in the actual town of Mono for awhile, but that was a long time ago.. I thank you for your time, & look forward to hearing from you!!! Have a wonderful day,
    messyjess1974@hotmail.com