The City of Brighton Employee Charities (BEC) has selected four recipients for scholarships this year. The winners will each receive $1,000 toward their college expenses. The scholarships are awarded to the recipients based on a high emphasis of community service and academics. This year’s recipients are Claire Asmussen, Walker Bargmann, Elena Marraudino and Ashley Settergren.
Claire Asmussen, a senior from Brighton High School, plans to attend Northern Arizona University beginning this fall. Claire has been a lifeguard/swim instructor at the Brighton Recreation Center. She went on to become a Head Lifeguard. She has been in the Honors Chemistry programs during her high school years. Claire volunteered to tutor other up-and-coming chemists.
In her essay application Claire stated, “Community service is a good and noble deed. Volunteering means growth, kindness, helpfulness, humility and fun. It means setting out with the intention of helping others.”
Walker Bargmann, a senior from Eagle Ridge Academy, who has been accepted to ten of the most prestigious schools in the country, has decided to attend Yale in the fall. Walker is part of the Student Council, National Honor Society, Interact Club, Drama Club and Improv Team. He has been involved with youth programs starting with Brighton Youth Commission, Colorado State Youth Council and Colorado Youth Advisory Council for Senate District 25.
In his essay Walker stated, “I began my quest for change in government and through COYAC – Colorado Youth Advisory Council, I found a community of students from across Colorado united by one cause; to address the adversities of civilians through legislation. In 2020, we introduced House Bill 1021, allowing Native American Youth to serve on COYAC and have a voice in state government. It was the first bill signed into law that legislative session.” Walker went on to state that he developed a perception of positive community service through “Courage”.
Elena Marraudino, a senior at Prairie View High School, has plans to attend the University of Colorado – Denver in the fall in the Biochemistry program. Elena lived in Mexico most of her elementary years while her parents worked in underprivileged communities to offer aid to poverty-stricken families. When Elena’s family moved to the U.S., she worked to perfect her English and was quickly flagged for the gifted program.
In her essay, Elena stated that the time volunteering at the Medical Center of Aurora has been the most intellectual enriching experience. She went on to say that all community service activities are valuable, but this one in particular helped her to delve into an environment that she had been considering as a future career. Elena stated, “I believe that there is an infinite number of benefits in store when an individual makes the decision to dedicate their time and skills to serve their community like I have.”
Ashley Settergren, a senior at Brighton High School, will be attending CU Boulder in the fall studying Elementary Education. Ashley has been an integral part of the Brighton Youth Commission. She was elected to serve as the Vice-Chair of the Brighton Youth Commission. She represents the City of Brighton and the Brighton Youth Commission on the National League of Cities Conference planning team. Ashley has done an amazing job communicating with both her peers and elected officials.
Ashley stated in her essay, “What once was a mere passion for volunteering has now transpired into love and dedication, not only to my community but to others around the country. It has shown me that volunteering is meant to make a difference by fostering the growth and future success of the community through acts of service. Most importantly, I have learned that exhibiting positive community service is possessing the tenacity to keep striving to make an impact, and that impact can come from something as small as giving back to your community through local organizations like the Brighton Youth Commission.”
About Brighton Employee Charities
The City of Brighton Employee Charities (BEC) receives its funding from City employee contributions and community partner donations. Through this support, BEC has been providing scholarships, coats, food and gifts to Brighton families and children in need for several years.
Mission
We exist to enhance the lives of children and families in the Brighton Community by providing resources to make a positive impact throughout the year. We rely on contributions by both the City of Brighton Employees and Community Partnerships.