The Calaveras County Water District Board of Directors presented two $500 scholarships at its Board meeting on July 26, 2017. The 2017 scholarship recipients are Natasha Koval and Thomas Boitano, both of Calaveras High School. They were selected from about 30 high school seniors who submitted essays to CCWD.

Ms. Koval, of Burson, began classes at Seattle Pacific University on September 25 in pursuit of a business degree. Mr. Boitano, of Mokelumne Hill, began his studies at Chico State on August 21 in pursuit of a degree in environmental science. Scholarship funds were made available to the students once they submitted proof of college class enrollment to CCWD.

CCWD Scholarship Program overview

In 2013, the CCWD Board of Directors approved funding for scholarships to be awarded annually to graduating high school seniors. Each year, students are asked to submit essays based on a relevant prompt. This year’s winners were asked to write essays using this prompt:

Discuss the value of water, especially in light of the recent severe drought. How can Calaveras County transition from emergency water rationing during the drought to sustainable long-term water use efficiency? What measures should Calaveras and California take now in order to mitigate the negative impacts of future droughts?

A committee of three CCWD staff members reviewed more than 30 essays that were submitted by students attending Calaveras High School, Bret Harte High School and Mountain Oaks School. All personal identifying information was removed from each essay submission, so committee members could judge them impartially. Each committee member chose their top three essays, and the group conferred to select the two winners for the 2017 awards.

Scholarship funds will be made available to the students once they have submitted proof of college class enrollment to CCWD.

The District wishes Mr. Boitano and Ms. Koval success in their academic pursuits.