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High Altitude Society: Local Guardian Scholars celebrated

The Guardian Scholars Program has grown to include 31 participants from Eagle County, many of whom are college-bound to Colorado Mesa University this week.
Betty Ann Woodland | Special to the Daily |

On Tuesday at the home of hosts Ron and Lucy Davis in Edwards, a gathering of minds came together to celebrate and dialogue on the many successes of the Guardian Scholars Program. It was a quintessential evening of what is good and right in the world. Guests learned of people, called Guardian Angels, helping people, namely 31 Guardian Scholars, to have a better chance at improving their lives and the lives of others in their family and community. Ron Davis knows a thing or two about how this all works as he founded the Cal State Fullerton Guardian Scholars program and has worked with our local program for years.

Program at a Glance

Guardian Scholars is a scholarship program for Eagle County students that have faced significant obstacles and have proven to overcome them. The comprehensive model maximizes financial aid, foundation financial support and donor support in order to provide scholarships to all college-ready students fitting the specific criteria of the program. On-campus advisors provide students with the emotional support and guidance they need to be successful through their college experience and beyond.



Julie Keith recently joined the Guardian Scholars as program manager and is thrilled with the group of young college-bound students and their prospects.

“I think that the Guardian Scholars program is more than just about the education. I believe that we really are a family.”Jennifer VasquezGuardian Scholar

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“It is a pure privilege for me to work with this group of individuals and to hear of your dreams and just know that the Guardian Scholars Program is going to help you get there,” she said. “I know that this is a big, transitional, sometimes chaotic and overwhelming time of your life. You have this family behind you, so lean on us. And to the Angels, thank you. The gift that you are giving is extraordinary. I have seen the incredible consideration, compassion and the careful attention that you give each of these students.”



College Bound

Most of the students are headed to Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction on Sunday to begin their college career with the help of the Guardian Scholars Program. The students will be majoring in studies including sports medicine, business, criminal justice, photography and communications. Students spoke of their gratitude and promise to make their supporters proud.

“I think that the Guardian Scholars program is more than just about the education. I believe that we really are a family,” Jennifer Vasquez shared.

Guests were treated to delicious summer fare prepared by Liz and Luc Meyer of Left Bank Restaurant fame.

Luc Meyer, a premier chef and restaurateur, spoke of coming to this country with limited English.

“When I arrived, I could speak 27 words of English, but I knew how to cook, and I had a wonderful wife who could read and write English, so, that really helped. We worked hard at the restaurant for 36 years and we sold it. We are now retired,” he said.

The Meyers generously supplied delectable food, wine and dessert. Tracey Van Curan of Foods of Vail was also on hand with her amazing personality, home cooking and staff.

Betty Ann Woodland is a longtime local who covers social events including fundraisers for nonprofits, local happenings and soirees of all kinds.


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