Basalt High School senior receives ‘highly competitive’ scholarship
Pitkin County/Courtesy photo
Basalt High School senior Melissa Vasquez is the winner of a $1,500 scholarship from the Colorado County Clerks Association, marking the second consecutive year that a Basalt High School student has received the award.
Vasquez, 18, is planning to enroll in Colorado Mountain College’s two-year veterinary technician program with the aim of working in the field of international veterinary health.
“Taking care of (my dog) made me realize I really love taking care of animals,” Vasquez said. “Especially because they struggle a lot. I kind of want to be their voice in that way.”
According to a press release, the scholarship is “highly competitive” and attracted more than 45 applicants from Colorado’s western region this year. Zenobia Todd, a graduating senior from Glenwood Springs High School, also received a $1,000 award.
Judges scored applicants on grades, essays, participation in extracurricular, service or community activities and demonstrated financial need or hardship, the release confirms.
These scholarships have been awarded to graduating students annually since at least 2004. In 2025, Basalt High School’s Lilu Illouz received a $1,000 award.
The Colorado County Clerks Association is a non-government entity that supports county clerks who serve communities across the state, according to the release.
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