Colorado Open lands announced in a news release that six scholarships from the Carolyn Hackman Scholarship Fund were awarded to three graduating seniors from both Middle Park High School and West Grand High School.

Longtime Grand County resident Carolyn Hackman created the fund with the dream of supporting local students seeking to increase their knowledge of land conservation and management. She hopes these students would then take this knowledge and apply it in their careers and communities.

Previously, Colorado Headwaters Land Trust administered the scholarship funds. The land trust merged with Colorado Open Lands in December 2024. This year the deciding body for scholarship awards was the Colorado Open Lands’ Colorado Headwaters Advisory Board which includes members of the past Colorado Headwaters Land Trust’s board of directors.

Students with an interest in land and water conservation and management, forestry, agriculture, animal science, wildlife biology, ecology, conservation and environmental law are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

The 2025 recipients from Middle Park High School include Aubree Hanson, Jackson Salyards and Paloma Merrell. The recipients from West Grand High School are Luci Bruchez, Taylin Harthun and Taylor Martinson.

The release states that this year’s recipients are pursuing education in animal sciences, agricultural business and economics, and environmental conservation, according to the release.

“Colorado Open Lands wishes them the best of luck with their college endeavors,” the release writes.