Congratulations to our 2021 Scholarship Recipients!

Sandra Morales Beas. Throughout high school Sandra has been an active member of Manos a la Obra, an organization dedicated to promoting diversity, Latin culture, community service and higher education for it’s members. She also interned for the US Forest Service and was invited to return the following summer as an assistant crew leader. “Her generosity, kindness and patience are evident in the activities she has consistently participated in”......including tutoring peers struggling academically, Empty Bowls, and service at her church. Sandra’s long term goal is to start her own business. Originally planning to implement this plan by going to a two year college, she has since found that it will be possible to attend Southwestern Adventist University in Texas where she hopes to major in Digital Marketing. She says, “I don’t want to reflect on my life when I am old and have regrets or say to myself, ‘What if I had done this?’ I know my journey to success won’t be easy, but nothing worth fighting for ever is.”

Isabella Richardson. “One of Golden Sierra’s best scholar athletes,” Isabella has consistently challenged herself by taking AP and Honors classes. She earned Academic All-league honors while participating in Soccer, Tennis, Track and Cross Country. She has become “ a team leader in the classroom and in the community, and, says one of her teachers, “she earned this role as a result of her leadership and willingness to help those around her to become better and stronger individuals.” Isabella’s many experiences throughout high school have led her to realize that she “should do everything in (her) power to set up a successful future...and the best way to achieve this is through education.” After graduation, Isabella initially plans to attend Sierra College, and later, pursue a degree in Business Management/Administration.

Chayse Emmons. During her high school career, Chayse says she “has learned the real meaning of hard work and has created great relationships” in the various jobs she has held. She has also been a member of the jazz band during that time. But it is through her involvement in the El Dorado County Peer Council Program that she sees a direction for her life. She says of her future, “I hope to help others see their dreams become their reality, turn people’s lives around...”. She is praised for her “willingness to learn new skills and try new things; she always volunteers for the biggest jobs and never complains.” “Her professionalism, speaking skills and confidence will serve her well.” As Chayse says, “I am setting myself up to be successful and will continue to execute my plans until my goals have been achieved.” In the fall, Chayse will be attending American River College and then going to USB to major in Juvenile Criminal Defense Law.

Jordan Freer. As a National Merit Scholarship finalist, a member of both water polo and swim teams, and a volunteer at The Upper Room (a meal service facility), Jordan has shown herself to be an “incredibly focused student” as well as a talented athlete and a passionate member of the community. In addition, she has participated in the Natural Resources program, served as a Special Olympics volunteer and was invited to attend the National Student Leadership Conference. Jordan’s swim coach of 7 years describes her as having “the combination of talent with the drive and dedication to succeed in whatever she puts her mind to while still being one of the politest and kindest people I have ever worked with. She says her goals for the future come from “ working as a River Guide and having the opportunity to spread knowledge about the social and environmental histories of the incredible (Coloma) valley. After Jordan receives a degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or Applied Mathematics, she plans to get an advanced degree in Environmental Biology. “The intrinsic and extrinsic values of the natural world are equally imperative to protect,” says Jordan, “As we heal our planet, we heal ourselves—and I will be there to lead the charge.”

Saturday Jan 12 - Great Concert to help raise scholarship funds for West Slope High School Students

El Dorado Quilt Trail is at the Gold Trail Grange

The hall, built in 1926 as a community gathering place, is a venue for a wide variety of presentations and forums. Groups and individuals may rent the building, which has hosted everything from exercise classes to wedding receptions, memorials and birthdays. Each month the Gold Trail Grange has a business meeting and also sponsors community gatherings on a vast range of topics, from meteorites and native plants to League of Women Voters election information and Coloma history. Periodically, the Grange sponsors dances, with live music one of the attractions. The dances are part of a long-standing tradition; early-day Grange treasury reports enumerated expenses for food, orchestras and even floor wax. At one time the “Gold Pannies,” a can-can group made up of local women, entertained at fundraisers. The Grange is located along the beautiful South Fork of the American River that roars and meanders through the heart of the Coloma Lotus Valley, depending on the season.

For more information, please contact us.