WCLT Awards Two Scholarships

In June, the Westborough Community Land Trust (WCLT) marked its 15^th anniversary by awarding two $1,000 scholarships to graduating (WHS) seniors. The awards went to the winners of WCLT’s 2012 Earth Day Essay Contest, Jamie Gagliano and Kyle Ashworth, in recognition of their deep appreciation and concern for the natural environment.

“We are pleased to mark our 15th anniversary by giving two scholarships instead of one and by increasing the scholarship amount,” said WCLT president John Metzger. “We have expanded our scholarship program as one aspect of our increased community presence.”

Jamie’s essay, , focused on Sandra Pond and the Westborough Conservation Area at Bowman Street with its pink lady’s-slippers. She will attend Colgate University in the fall.

Kyle’s essay, , discussed development, conservation, and recycling of houses in Westborough.  He plans to study motorcycle technology at WyoTech in Daytona Beach, FL.

Two seniors received honorable mentions for their essays. Elizabeth Anderson, who will attend Tufts University, wrote about the value of .  Michael Bogoian-Mullen, who will be a student at Northeastern University’s Honor College, described the power of his generation to make a difference in favor of sustainability by working together and by finding unexpected personal benefits in many small lifestyle decisions.

“From reading the essays, the WCLT Scholarship Committee can tell how important the students’ families are in fostering love and respect for the natural environment and in encouraging a sustainable lifestyle,” said Annie Reid of the Scholarship Committee. “We also see the valuable role of the schools and scouting organizations in promoting and reinforcing these values.”

Information courtesy of the Westborough Community Land Trust.