CONEJOS CANYON — The mountain community of Bear Creek, located 17 miles west of Antonito, has awarded three scholarships to three graduating high school seniors for 2023.  The Bear Creek Scholarship Committee raises funds throughout each year from its residents as well as many local businesses for these college scholarships. The scholarships are awarded to one graduating senior from each high school in Conejos Canyon — Antonito, Sanford, and Centauri.

This year Bear Creek provided $9,000 scholarships to each of these three outstanding and well-deserving students:

Patricia Silvas

Patricia graduated from Antonito High School. She describes herself as efficient, disciplined, and reliable. These qualities fit well with her future plans to attend the University of New Mexico in pursuit of a degree in nursing. As a registered nurse she will put her talents and skills to great use caring for others.

Coby Thomas

Coby graduated from Centauri High School. He will attend Colorado State University in the fall majoring in Agricultural Business. His goal is to come back to the Valley and work his family farm. He has a strong work ethic and is looking forward to excelling in his college career and beyond.       

Kashley Canty

Kashley graduated from Sanford High School. She plans to major in biomedical science with a minor in anatomy and physiology at Colorado State University. Kashley’s career goal is to become a Physician’s Assistant, returning to the Valley to provide health care. Kashley has a strong background in the sciences and passion to help others.

Bear Creek has been awarding scholarships since 1999, and as the community grows, its ability to give more help to others in the county has grown as well. The Bear Creek Scholarship Committee has 18 volunteer members with many other helpers throughout the year.

Spearheaded by Lynn Rezzuti, the committee works year-round seeking cash donations as well as new and used items that can be sold at its annual auction.

Rezzuti stated, “We appreciate the many businesses in Alamosa, Chama, and Conejos County that generously donate to the fund, and to the auction each year. Their gift certificates get lively bidding, often going far over the actual value of the certificate. These scholarships can change young peoples’ lives and we are grateful to be able to help so many deserving students.”