The NatureTrack Foundation has named Braiden Flaherty as the first student from Lompoc High School to receive the $5,000 NatureTrack Nancy Stearns Scholarship, marking a milestone in the scholarship’s four-year history.
Flaherty, who is also the first young man to receive the scholarship, will be pursuing an education in Marine Biology at UC Santa Cruz.
“Braiden’s selection is a testament to his deep-rooted passion for animals, a trait evident from his personal and family background,” said Dennis Nord, NatureTrack Board member and docent.
“While his upbringing might have steered him toward a career in animal husbandry, Braiden has chosen to pursue a path in marine biology,” said Nord, who chairs the scholarship committee. “This dedication to studying marine life particularly impressed the selection committee, leading to his well-deserved recognition.”
Flaherty first heard about the scholarship from his mother and a teacher Markie Wordley.
“One of my favorite classes ever, an AP environmental science class with Mrs. Wordley, where she taught me a lot of what I now know about the environment.”
Wordley recommended Flaherty apply and hope for the best. And he did the best.
Asked what inspired him to apply, he said. “I was inspired to sign up for the wonder. When applying I had no idea what I would get if I won, but I was more interested in if I could land it.”
Flaherty was accepted at University of California Santa Cruz to study marine biology.
The $5,000 scholarship will be divided into four payments over four years, and made directly to the student’s tuition account.
“We are thrilled to award this scholarship to Braiden,” said Dennis Beebe, scholarship committee member and NatureTrack. “His commitment to marine biology exemplifies the spirit of the NatureTrack Nancy Stearns Scholarship, which aims to support students with a profound dedication to the natural world.”
The Nancy Stearns Scholarship was established to support students pursuing education and careers in environmental and biological sciences in 2020.
Flaherty’s achievement highlights his individual dedication and underscores the growing recognition of Lompoc High School’s contribution to nurturing future environmental leaders.
Sue Eisaguirre, founder of NatureTrack, said of her friend for whom the scholarship named: “Nancy’s enthusiasm for nature was contagious not only for the students but for the NatureTrack docents too. Her passion naturally piqued the students’ curiosity to learn. They left field trips smarter and happier.”
Nord added, “Nancy believed sharing was more than educating or training, it was involving and believing life could be more fulfilling as you pursued nature outdoors.
“She was the inspiration to stretch for the lesson nature has to bring, to catch on to the tune and see the pattern of the way things weave their way through our shared lives.”
For more about the NatureTrack Nancy Stearns Scholarship or how to get involved with the NatureTrack Foundation, visit NatureTrack.org or call Eisaguirre, 805-886-2047 or email her at sue@naturetrack.org.
NatureTrack is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides outdoor docent-led field trips during the usual school day for Santa Barbara County children at no cost to the schools or students, using local trails and beaches throughout the county.