Two WCLT Scholarships Offered in 2012

As one way of marking its 15^th anniversary year, the Westborough Community Land Trust (WCLT) has expanded its scholarship program at Westborough High School (WHS). Starting this year, WCLT is increasing its offering from one $500 scholarship to two $1,000 scholarships. As in the past, the WCLT scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors on the basis of essays submitted in WCLT’s annual Earth Day Essay Contest. The scholarship will be presented to the winners of the essay contest at Westborough High School graduation.

“The expanded scholarship program is one aspect of our increased community presence in our 15th year,” said John Metzger, WCLT president. “We are pleased to offer this encouragement and assistance to environmentally minded seniors.”

This year WCLT's Earth Day Essay Contest runs March 1 – April 2. Any graduating senior may enter the contest, reflecting the WCLT view that environmental appreciation and concerns are important for everyone. Seniors do not have to be planning an environmental focus in further studies or a career. The contest and scholarship are open to graduating seniors whether or not they plan to attend college.

The scholarship forms and essay contest details are available in the WHS Guidance Office as of March 1, 2012.

To enter the contest, applicants must submit their Earth Day essay to the WHS Guidance Office by Monday, April 2, 2012.

Essays should be 500-750 words and should address one of these three topics:

1. An environmental issue in Westborough

   Describe an environmental issue that affects a natural resource in Westborough. Propose a solution that would address this issue and/or describe activities in which you have been involved that have worked towards solving this particular problem.

2. Sustainable living in Westborough and beyond

   Discuss ways that you and others of your generation could live more sustainably on Earth. If applicable, include a description of changes you have made in your own life that have enabled you or your family to live more sustainably.

3. Protection of Westborough's natural heritage and special places

   Describe a place in Westborough that you think is especially important to protect, and explain why. Discuss what you have done or propose ways that you could help to protect Westborough's natural heritage.

“One goal of the Earth Day essay contest is to encourage young people to talk and write about the environment and their environmental concerns,” explained Annie Reid of the WCLT scholarship committee. “We know many young people care about the natural environment – in Westborough and beyond. They are the environmentalists of tomorrow.”

WCLT members are encouraged to spread word of the essay contest and expanded scholarship offerings to friends and neighbors.

WCLT has offered a scholarship since 2006.