2021 Scholarship recipients at Cabrillo College

This last December I was please to get my yearly thank you letter from Cabrillo. Included were letters from 3 students who receive support from the Scholarship in Sky's name. Here is a quote from one of the students, Chaena Laux: 

        “I am currently a biology major with an emphasis on ecology.This year I will be going into my second year of college, and plan to graduate community college by the Spring of 2023 in order to transfer to Humboldt State. My grandfather grew up in the forest and mountains of Mendocino and shared his love for it with me as my family spent each summer at his cabin. In high school, our local chapter of the Environmental Science Academy, along with the biology teacher, influenced me to want to turn my love for nature into a career.
       Upon graduation, I want to also follow in my grandfather's footsteps and be employed under the United States Forest Service or the National Park Service. By awarding mt the "La'akea Sky Smith Sustainability Non-endowed Scholarship" I will be able to focus on my education and put all of my energy into doing well in my classes. Your generosity allows me to make my goals and dreams a reality. I hope that one day I will also be to help struggling students reach their goals in higher education. Thanks again very much.”

Every year when I receive these letters of gratitude and get calls that other friends and family member who have donated to the scholarship have received their Thank you letters , I am encouraged to continue to have this unique relationship with my son. Though he is not here walking the earth he so loved, I feel as if he is still in our lives as we continue to remember him and help to fulfill the dreams of students who receive our support.  

Thank you all for keeping Sky in our lives through your support of this scholarship. Cruising around this website and perhaps purchasing something from our store, will spread his message and healing stories.