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Rose Murphy
Rose Murphy
When Aria Conte steps onto UCLA’s campus each morning, she carries with her, not just textbooks and dreams of medical school, but also the support of the community back home in Nevada County. As one of six recipients of last year’s League of Women Voters-Nevada County scholarship, this ambitious first-year student represents a growing movement of young people who are bridging academic excellence with civic engagement.
I recently spoke with Aria Conte by phone. Conte expressed gratitude to The League and its donors for gifting her a $1,000 scholarship. “Every little bit makes a difference,” she pointed out. Last quarter Conte was able to fund her first quarter’s tuition through money she received on the scholarship website, Going Merry. (https://goingmerry.com/).
The importance of helping students pursue their passions and educational dreams has been a long-standing vision of JoAnn Castori, who is Education Chair and Board Member for the League of Women’s Voters of Nevada County. Having retired from teaching in 2021, Castori discovered her calling within the League, where she has made significant contributions as a member of the Education Committee. Her commitment mirrors the values of the League, aligning with those of the scholarship recipients, including Conte, and the five other awardees in 2024.
The Education Committee plays a crucial role in the scholarship selection process by reviewing each application with a focus on several key attributes: the potential impact the applicants hope to make in the world, their future dreams, and civic engagement during high school. Reviewers also check the applicants’ GPA and financial need. Castori remarked on the inspiring narratives presented in the applicants’ essays.
The League of Women Voters of Nevada County, Education Committee is actively fundraising to maximize the number of scholarships awarded to local seniors. This initiative is dedicated to supporting students who plan to enroll in at least 12 units at vocational, community, or four-year colleges. The scholarships not only help alleviate the financial burden of higher education but also cultivate a generation of informed and engaged citizens poised to contribute positively to society. Would you be able to support this worthy cause?
In my interview with Aria Conte, she conveyed strong feelings regarding the importance of making her voice heard. During high school, Conte was involved in the Future Voters Club and assisted in educating others on current issues. Conte stated, “If you have an opinion you should talk about it, no sense in complaining if you are not willing to make change.” Conte believes that everyone possesses a voice and that it is our responsibility to thoughtfully and respectfully engage in discussions about pressing issues. “If someone changes their mind or sees things from a different perspective, that’s great,” she explained. “But my goal isn’t to force others to adopt my viewpoints; it’s about using my voice, being part of the conversation, and listening to and respecting the viewpoints and decisions of others.”
The League’s members firmly believe that increased participation from Nevada County citizens results in a “stronger, safer, and more vibrant community.” By facilitating understanding, the League ensures that all individuals are equipped to make objective voting decisions. Their non-partisan initiatives include registering voters, protecting voting rights, creating voter guides, moderating candidate forums, and assisting at polling stations.
The League of Women Voters of Nevada County’s scholarship program represents more than financial assistance, it’s an investment in our community’s future leaders. Through these scholarships, we’re nurturing a new generation of engaged citizens who, like Aria Conte, understand the importance of civic participation and respectful dialogue. As voter registration among young people in Nevada County has nearly doubled since 2022, the League is seeing the direct impact of supporting and empowering our youth.
The other five scholarship recipients from last year, some attending Sierra College, with plans to transfer to UC Davis or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, are focusing their studies in a broad range of areas. Conte and one other recipient plan to major in neuroscience, another chose graphic design/engineering, with business economics, urban studies and planning and international relations as their major choices.
For the upcoming 2025 scholarship recipients, the League of Women Voters of Nevada County is actively requesting donations to be made by March 19th. The League’s website (https://my.lwv.org/california/nevada-county) features a donate button at the top of its page, where you can easily make a donation. If you choose to support this initiative, please indicate that your contribution is for the scholarship fund. The League is dedicated to providing as many scholarships as possible to seniors from all Nevada County schools. Your support could make a significant difference in their educational journeys.
Your donation to the scholarship fund, whether $10, $50, $100 or more, helps continue this vital work of developing informed, active citizens who will shape our democracy for years to come. Together, we can ensure that students have the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams while carrying forward the League’s mission of civic engagement and informed participation in our democracy.
Rose Murphy is a retired high school counselor now working as an independent educational consultant. She can be reached at abestfitcollege@gmail.com.
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