Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of profiles about area students who recently were awarded platinum or gold scholarships through the Los Alamos Employees' Scholarship Fund. Information for this profile was provided by the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation.
"My love of learning has added to the fire that fuels me in my daily life, working hard for everything I want, and striving to always do my best,” said Mary Bissell of Peñasco High School.
Bissell earned one of three Gold scholarships given by the Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund this year. The scholarship will provide Bissell with $3,000 per year for four years.
Bissell has participated in volunteer work, has helped maintain the Carson National Forest trails, and has worked as a ski instructor.
However, her passion is for water and the life supported by it. She discovered this interest when she received a scholarship to spend a summer in Australia studying the Great Barrier Reef. Now, Bissell plans to study marine biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
After she completes her education, Bissell wants to return to Northern New Mexico where she wants to work to protect its lakes and rivers. “Water is life,” she said. “Water will be my life.”
The Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund drive continues through May 31. So far, more than $333,600 has been raised, including a matching contribution from Los Alamos National Security, LLC. This year, the campaign goal is $600,000.
To make a contribution to the fund, go to www.lanlfoundation.org.
