Grand Valley Power Selects 2021 Scholarship and
Youth Leadership Program Winners
Nine students awarded GVP scholarships and youth leadership programs
GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - (April 15, 2021) – The Grand Valley Power Scholarship Selection Committee has selected nine outstanding students to receive scholarships to pursue undergraduate degrees. In addition, the Grand Valley Power Member and Community Relations Committee has selected two students to attend the 2022 Washington D.C. Youth Tour.
The Scholarship Selection Committee is comprised of past educators appointed by the board of directors, who select recipients based on various elements such as academic performance, essay composition, academic and personal achievements, financial need, and community or school involvement. Applicants must also be pursuing undergraduate degrees and currently reside in a home that receives electricity from Grand Valley Power. Since 1996, Grand Valley Power has awarded over $230,000 to students who are continuing education.
The Grand Valley Power Member and Community Relations Committee, which is comprised of members of the Board of Directors, determine recipients of the Youth Leadership Programs that include the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp and Washington D.C. Youth Tour each year. Students are selected based on an essay submission and application.
The 2021 scholarship and youth program recipients are listed below:
Jack Broughton – Colorado Mesa University Scholarship - $2,000 (renewable and $8,000 total over the course of four years)
- Chloe Schrader is an undergraduate student at Colorado Mesa University pursuing her degree in cellular, molecular, and developmental biology. Upon graduating from CMU, Chloe plans to attend medical school where she hopes to bring advanced medical care back to the western slope. Chloe is heavily involved in the music department at CMU and is an active member of the Maverick Stampede marching band and Rowdy Brass Band. She volunteers her passion for music at her local church as a worship leader and is a ranch hand at Steadfast Steeds Mustang Sanctuary where she helps rehabilitate mustangs for therapeutic use.
Grand Valley Power Scholarship – This one-time $1,500 scholarship (per person) is awarded to students who will be attending an accredited institution of higher education.
- Amanda Moran is a graduating senior at Grand Junction High School and is planning on pursuing a career in the medical field. Amanda is a varsity athlete for the GJHS cross country and track team and has served as the team captain for two years. She is also an active member of the National Honor Society, Spanish club, Chess club, Ski and Board club, and much more. Amanda volunteers for several student-led organizations such as Help Light the Night where young adults raise money to purchase solar-powered lamps for undeveloped countries. She plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder to study either biochemistry or neuroscience.
- Fiona Richards is a graduating senior at Palisade High School and is planning on pursuing a degree in engineering. Fiona is involved in many extracurricular activities such as Key Club which is the high school affiliate to Kiwanis, an international service organization dedicated to giving back to youth and improving the community. Fiona hopes her passion for math, science, and service will allow her to inspire greatness in the world. She is still undecided on where she will pursue her degree.
- Ryenn Nolan is a graduating senior at Fruita Monument High School and will be participating in the exploratory studies program at the University of Colorado Boulder. She has been an active member of FMHS Student Council for the past three years where she has acted as a leader and advocate for her class members. Ryenn is also the founder of PB&J Club at FMHS where students designate their lunch period to make sack lunches for people in need. Outside of school, Ryenn is a competitive rock climber and travels across the western states to compete in rock climbing competitions.
- Elizabeth Ballard is a graduating senior at Grand Junction High School and will pursue a degree in engineering. Elizabeth is a student-athlete and has been a top player on the GJHS tennis team for the past three years. In addition, she is an active member of the National Honor Society and an officer for the Ski and Board Club. Elizabeth hopes earning a degree in engineering will allow her to design new and improved prosthetic limbs. She will attend the Colorado School of Mines this fall.
- Jacob Weaver is a graduating senior at Fruita Monument High School and will pursue a degree in business administration. Jacob is a student-athlete at FMHS where he has played on the baseball team for four years and participated in both football and basketball for the past two years. He is also an active member of his church. He enjoys volunteering at the local soup kitchen and singing carols to elderly homes during the holidays. He will attend Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee to play baseball this fall.
- Jonas Saunders is a graduating senior at Caprock Academy and will pursue a degree in International Studies. Jonas is a member of the Caprock Academy Cross Country and Track team. He has also been involved in the theater department for three years and has played lead roles in productions including The Wizard of Oz and Romeo and Juliet. Jonas is passionate about helping others and volunteers many hours serving his community. He is still undecided on where he will pursue his degree.
2022 Youth Program Participants – Two students are selected to participate in an all-expenses-paid trip to either Washington D.C. Youth Tour or Cooperative Leadership Camp. GVP’s Youth Programs provides students with a hands-on leadership experience where students leave with a better understanding of the cooperative business model and memories of a lifetime. These students were selected to attend the youth programs this year, but the trips were cancelled due to the uncertainty of travel restrictions and safety concerns surrounding Covid 19. They will attend the 2022 Washington, D.C. Youth Tour.
- Jeweli Wiltse is a junior at Plateau Valley High School and is at the top of her class. She holds leadership roles in several extracurricular activities including Student Council, First Robotics Competition, and Future Farmers of America (FFA). Jeweli is also a key player on the PVHS volleyball team and frequently volunteers for community projects with the PV National Honor Society. She hopes that attending Youth Tour will allow her to sharpen her leadership skills to better lead her team members and classmates.
- Alexis Grundy is a junior at Plateau Valley High School who has yet to decide on her plans but knows she is passionate about leadership. Alexis is a student-athlete and has been the head captain of the PVHS volleyball team for two years. Alexis is also an active member of the National Honor Society where she helps recycle, clean highways, and volunteer around her community. In addition, she also volunteers for HopeWest where she leads grief groups for children who have lost loved ones.
Youth Program Scholarship – The following students were selected to attend the 2020 Youth Tour and Leadership Camp. However, these events were cancelled to ensure the health and safety of all participants. These students will receive scholarships equivalent to the cost of the awarded youth program to continue their education.
- Haley Gray is a graduating senior from Caprock Academy and is passionate about giving back to her community and helping others. She is a dedicated student-athlete and runs both track and cross country for Caprock Academy. Throughout her high school career, Haley has been working to develop a non-profit organization to help kids in need by providing students with the tools they need to be successful in their education.
- Amarah Thompson is a graduating senior at Palisade High School and enjoys learning through hands-on experiences. She is taking concurrent enrollment classes at Western Colorado Community College where she is exploring the Culinary Arts program and learning the basics of managing a commercial kitchen. Amarah also works for a local food delivering service that grows its own aquaponics produce. She is unsure of her future career plans but hopes to find a field that keeps her active and outside.
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