FLACL and Harry Ettinger Memorial Scholarship recipients, from left, Linnea Mason, Sophie Bathrick-Price, Claire Whitley, Nuala Colgan, and Samuel Carmer. Photo by Jessica Booton
LAPS Foundation News:
The Friends of Los Alamos County Libraries (FLACL), in partnership with the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation (LAPS Foundation), have announced the 2025 recipients of the June and Harry Ettinger Memorial Scholarship as well as four FLACL Scholarships.
These scholarships are open to graduating Los Alamos seniors and are intended to honor those who love books and reading. The scholarship applicant must write a brief essay about a book they have read, something not required for their coursework or made into a movie or TV show, and how that book has enhanced their life or their understanding of the human condition.
The June and Harry Ettinger Memorial Scholarship is a $3,500 award, renewable for one year after the first complete year at college with a 3.0 GPA or better. This year’s recipient is Nuala Colgan for her essay on the book “The Mighty Miss Malone” by Christopher Paul Curtis, and the significant impact it has had on her life. Nuala is anticipating the study of political science and pre-law at New Mexico State University.
FLACL Scholarships are a one-time award of $2,500. This year, four FLACL scholarships were awarded. Sophie Bathrick-Price wrote her convincing essay on “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear. Sophie plans to study psychology at the University of New Mexico. Claire Whitley’s essay presented the meaningful impact on her life of “Gutsy Girl: Escapades for your Life of Epic Adventure,” by Caroline Paul. Claire is looking forward to studying astrophysics, also at the University of New Mexico. Samuel Carmer wrote his winning essay on the book “Bewilderment,” by Richard Powers. Samuel is planning to attend New Mexico Tech in Socorro to study physics. Linnea Mason wrote her essay on the impact of the book “Tress of the Emerald Sea” by Brandon Sanderson. Linnea intends to study molecular biology at Brigham Young University in Utah.
The FLACL and Ettinger Scholarships committee thanks all graduates who sent us essays this year. They were a delight to read, and we wish you the very best in your academic endeavors. Keep reading! And, to you rising seniors, keep reading, and think about your essay for next year!
FLACL, a local nonprofit organized in 1978, has provided additional support to the County’s library system for more than 40 years. Most of the support comes from the Friends Bookstore, located at Mesa Public Library, where used books are donated by the public and sold by the many wonderful volunteers who give their time to the store. It is through this collective passion for knowledge and reading that the Friends are enabled to give so much back to this community.
Funds for the June and Harry Ettinger Memorial Scholarship are managed by the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization that connects the community and school district, evaluates needs and invests resources to enhance public education. To learn more about the LAPS Foundation, visit www.lapsfoundation.com.
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