Every year, the Mono Lake Committee awards two $1,000 scholarships to Mono County high school seniors. As part of the application process, we ask seniors to spend time on the shore of Mono Lake, take in their experience, and write about why places like this matter.
This year, of the many thoughtful and reflective essays we read, two stood out to us. We are pleased to announce this year’s scholarship recipients—Estrella Romero and Julian Santillan from Lee Vining High School.
Estrella described a windy and unsettled day at Mono Lake. She wrote, “Mono Lake is not just part of where I live, it is part of my daily routine, memories, and experiences. Standing here in the wind and watching the waves strike the tufa towers while the sandstorm grows in the distance, I realize that Mono Lake’s changing nature is exactly what makes it so unique.” Estrella plans to attend UC Santa Barbara and major in accounting to eventually earn her CPA license. You can read the rest of Estrella’s essay here.
Julian wrote about how his connection to Mono Lake has strengthened through his study of saline lake ecosystems in the Experience Ambientalia program. He wrote, “Some places become important because people travel far to see them. Others become important because they quietly shape the people who grow up beside them. Growing up in Lee Vining, Mono Lake has never felt like a tourist destination to me. It has always felt personal, something tied deeply to my childhood, my community, and my understanding of responsibility.” Julian plans to attend Claremont McKenna College and pursue a career in business strategy. You can read the rest of Julian’s essay here.
We are grateful for all the students who applied and dedicated time to reflect on what Mono Lake means to them, and we wish them luck in their next chapter of life!
Mono County resident high school seniors who have firm plans to attend college or other further education within a year of graduation qualify for the Mono Lake Committee Scholarship. If you are interested in learning more about the scholarship program or would like to donate to the fund, please contact me by email or at (760) 647-6595 x135.
Top photo by Stephanie DeCavit.