June 4, 2015

Mesalands Community College recently had two recipients of the Earth Steward Scholarship Award from Cielo Wind Power in Amarillo, TX. Cielo Wind Power’s goal is to honor youth who exhibit a commitment to our planet’s sustainable future, and to encourage them to continue their dedication and consider future careers in terms of earth stewardship. This award is offered to schools in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Mesalands students Taylor Hayes, 17, from Tucumcari, NM and Daniel Garcia, 34 of Willard, NM were recipients of the Cielo Wind Power Award in the amount of $1,000.

Applicants for this award were asked to explain the importance of Earth stewardship and how to encourage others to get involved. Hayes explains her response to this question.

“In my essay, I suggested that we work with the organizations we are already involved in to either do trash pick-ups, or some community involvement to keep our community looking good,” Hayes said.

Hayes was a dual-enrolled student at Mesalands and a recent graduate of Tucumcari High School. She is also a part-time tutor at the Math-Science Learning Center at Mesalands. Hayes plans to attend New Mexico State University in August.

The other award recipient from Mesalands, Daniel Garcia, is majoring in Wind Energy Technology. He recently obtained his Occupational Certificate in Wind Energy Technology and said that this award will help him continue his college education.

“I was glad I got this award because I can really use it,” Garcia said. “I also plan on not working so much next year either, so I can relax and focus more on school. I have a 4.0 GPA (Grade Point Average) right now and I’m in the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. I just feel if you have to do something, you need to do it right and go all out.”

Garcia will be participating in the Granite Services International, Inc. Wind Technician Internship Program this summer. He plans to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Wind Energy Technology from Mesalands next year.