Attention graduating seniors residing in the Butte Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD): You are invited to apply for the 2025 High School Scholarship. The application deadline is April 15th, 2025.
This scholarship is named in honor of board member, Jeff Isham, who dedicated 31 years of service to the District. Jeff supported all of the conservation district’s programs and outreach initiatives during his tenure from 1989 to 2020.
This scholarship is named in honor of board member, Jeff Isham, who dedicated 31 years of service to the District. Jeff supported all of the conservation district’s programs and outreach initiatives during his tenure from 1989 to 2020.
2025 Scholarship awards
The Butte Soil and Water Conservation District is honored to award its second annual Jeff Isham Memorial Scholarships to Mylee Drussel,, Sadie Wanstrom and Eliana Cecil. These three $500 scholarships will be applied towards their college expenses this Fall.
Mylee Drussel is a Senior at Mackay high school where she has a 3.96 GPA. Mylee is involved in High school sports, Student Council, Yearbook and Singing and Entertaining at the Mackay BBQ. She has been accepted into Idaho State University in the Fall and plans to become a School Counselor. When asked why natural resource conservation in important, Mylee stated, "To me, conservation is the promise that we make to the earth and future generations–that we will keep Earth healthy and ensure sustainable access to resources. The process of conserving is done by preserving and protecting natural resources and life in our environment."
Sadie Wanstrom is a Senior at Mackay high school where she has a 3.76 GPA. Sadie is involved in High School Volleyball, student council, FFA, served on the teen advisory board for the Mackay public library, and numerous public outreach projects. Sadie plans to attend Brigham Young University-Idaho and get a degree in Biology. When asked why natural resource conservation is important, Sadie stated, "Conservation is all about taking care of the Earth’s natural resources to ensure they are not depleted and that they will be around for future generations. It means looking after the environment, protecting wildlife, and keeping nature’s systems in balance. These things really matter because everything we rely on, such as clean air, fresh water, food, and even the weather, are dependent on nature being healthy."
Eliana Cecil is a graduate of Cornerstone Academy with a GPA of 4.5. She plans to attend Idaho State University and major in Chemistry. Eliana has been involved in numerous youth activities through Butte SWCD, including the Envirothon, speech contests and their junior board. She is involved in 4H and helped in various outreach programs helping the community. When asked why natural resource conservation is important, Eliana stated, "The meaning of conservation can vary wildly depending upon to whom the question is posed. For those with little experience in rural life, the answer will likely discuss recycling. While cities feel the effect of pollution. The importance of conservation cannot be overstated. Natural resources are limited."
2024 Scholarship awards
The Butte Soil and Water Conservation District was honored to award the first annual Jeff Isham Memorial Scholarships to Alyssa Hawley and Tannabe Cecil. Named in honor of long-time board member Jeff Isham who served on the District board from 1989 – 2020, the $500 scholarships will be applied towards their college expenses this Fall. Alyssa Hawley is a Senior at Mackay High School where she has a 4.0 GPA. Alyssa has been involved in high school sports, student council, the 4-H Robotics team, and the Butte SWCD’s Envirothon Team. She has been accepted to attend Idaho State University this Fall and plans to become a physical therapist assistant. When asked why natural resource conservation is important, Alyssa stated, “Conservation efforts play a vital role in sustainable management and preservation of natural resources and ecosystems to ensure they are around for generations. By protecting the environment, wildlife, promoting sustainable resource use while stopping pollution, conservationists are able to keep the balance between human activities and environmental protection. Through practices such as establishing protected areas, habitat restoration, sustainable management, and wildlife conservation the Earth can continue to thrive and grow. It is important people continue to prioritize conservation to ensure the long-term health of our planet.”
Tannabe Cecil is a Spring graduate of Cornerstone Academy and has been dually enrolled in the College of Eastern Idaho. She will attend Idaho State University in the Fall to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and Dental Hygiene program. Tannabe has been involved with the Butte SWCD’s youth activities for several years, taking part in the annual speech contests. This year Tannabe has also served as the volunteer Envirothon Team advisor. Tannabe has been involved with high school golf, 4-H Straight Shooters club, and was an Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholar (NASA). When asked why natural resource conservation is important, Tannabe stated, “At its core, conservation is an issue of respect. When we recognize the value of land, its diverse systems and ability to provide for our lives, it is impossible not to develop respect for the amazing responsibility of caring for what has been entrusted to us. In Psalm 24:1 is says, “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” As caretakers through conservation, it is humbling to realize how blessed we are to be able to enjoy and protect our environment for future generations.”
