The Scholarship Committee (Bridgette Hobbs, Corinne Grandstaff and Gail Witzlsteiner) recommended and the Board approved that we award one scholarship – a $5000 award to Madeline (Maddy) Vera, a Columbia College Spring graduate. While each of the four applicants were worthy of support, it was the feeling of the committee that we award one, more impactful scholarship of a greater amount, due to the increasing costs of education. Maddy will be invited to accept her award at our Annual Meeting on May 30, 2026. She will have the opportunity to share information about her educational plans with those in attendance.
Madeline Vera
Madeline Vera will graduate from Columbia College this Spring and plans to attend a 4- year university in the Fall. At the time of application, she planned to apply to UC at Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Berkeley. She is pursuing a career in bioremediation or hydrology. Environmental law is a stated interest for her. In addition to her studies at Columbia College, Maddy earned college credit as a high school student through Advance Placement classes and online courses at Citrus College and College of Alameda. Her work experience includes serving as an intern with the Tuolumne County District Attorney’s office and as a tutor at Columbia College. Maddy founded and is president of the Environmental Club at Columbia College.