A highlight of the Rangeley Lakes Regional School’s graduation ceremony on June 12 was presentation of two of the most prestigious annual scholarship awards.
Autumn-Skye Williams
Anastasia Champagne
Autumn-Skye Williams received the Seasonal Friends of Rangeley Scholarship, and Anastasia Champagne was awarded the Rangeley Lakes Region Legacy Scholarship.
Autumn-Skye will receive a multi-year stipend totaling $5,000, and Anastasia will get a $1,500 scholarship.
Both students were recognized for their strong academic records, activity in various school programs and participation in community service, which is a major criterion used in selecting recipients of these financial awards.
Both also extended their educational experiences beyond Rangeley. Autumn-Skye enrolled for Enrichment to High School Curriculum classes at the University of Fort Kent, and college classes at Foster Tech. Anastasia took courses at those institutions, including some focused on fire fighting and emergency medical technician training.
Autumn-Skye earned membership in the National Society of High School Scholars, attained honors for scholastic arts, poetry and other academic pursuits, and served as class officer and student council member. She participated in a variety of community service activities that benefitted both children and the elderly.
Anastasia’s accomplishments included recognition as Student of the Month, serving as class officer and on the Student Council, and membership in the National Honor Society. In addition to volunteering for activities focused on pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade students, she has been a volunteer firefighter, taking weekly training and responding to automobile accidents and fires.
This is in keeping with her goal of pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Emergency Medical Services/Paramedicine. In her scholarship application request, Anastasia noted that challenges she has faced during her formative years taught her “how to compromise and how to stand up when something isn’t right.”
Anastasia said she came to appreciate the importance of “people who are willing to work with me and help me reach my potential,” including Heidi Deery, the Student Services Director at Rangeley Lakes Regional School. Her ultimate goal, she concluded, is “improving my life and the lives of others.”
Autumn-Skye expressed an equally admirable ambition: To “help shift the world to fit its needs” in transportation and environmental protection. She said her focus upon climate change prompted her plan “to investigate renewable resources that can convert fossil fuel infrastructure into clean energy.” One objective will be seeking ways to distribute renewable energy “to everyone at a fair price.” She also has an interest in researching “how we can upcycle the vehicles that are piling up in junk yards all around the world.”
The Seasonal Friends of Rangeley Scholarship, now in its 25rd year, is funded by short-term visitors to, and seasonal residents of, the Rangeley Lakes region, as a way to thank those who live there for sharing its many attributes. The Legacy Scholarship is supported by residents and long-term visitors. Contributions to it may be made in honor or memory of a person, living or deceased.
The Directors of the scholarship program are Rebekah Carmichael, Rangeley Town Treasurer; Heidi Deery, Student Services Director at the Rangeley Lakes Regional School; Leeanna J. Wilbur, Vice President and Branch Manager, Franklin Savings Bank, and one anonymous seasonal resident.
Contributions to the Seasonal Friends of Rangeley Scholarship and the Legacy Scholarship, which are tax deductible, may be sent to P.O. Box 321. Rangeley, ME 04970. Donors receive a receipt for tax purposes and the thanks of the deserving students who benefit from this very worthwhile program.
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