Kealakeua resident among Udall Sholars
Kealekua resident Alexios Smith, a sophomore in forestry at the Univeristy of Montana was recently recognized a Udall Scholar.
Also recognized was Raina Woolworth, a Mississippi resident studying environmental science and sustainability at the University of Montana. They are among 53 other undergraduates from 41 colleges and universities nationwide named 2021 Udall Scholars.53 other undergraduates from 41 colleges and universities nationwide named 2021 Udall Scholars.
The Udall Foundation awards these scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for their leadership, public service and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or the environment. As Udall Scholars, Smith and Woolworth will receive $7,000 toward academic expenses, have access to the Udall Alumni Network and travel to Arizona in August for an orientation to network and learn new skills.
Smith plans to be a conservation forester in Hawaii, working to ensure native forests are protected for the enjoyment of current and future generations. To achieve these goals, she wants to become a researcher focused on the impact of human activity on native plant ecosystems.
“As a Native Hawaiian, it hurts my soul to witness the depletion of native plant populations. I firmly believe these ecosystems are a vital part of our community, and it’s through them that life is created and sustained,” said Smith, who in addition to working toward a bachelor’s degree in forestry is minoring in ecological restoration. “In my lifetime I plan to see indigenous flora repopulate the forests of my home and I am determined to be a driving force behind this. I plan to educate local communities about these issues and work to implement the protection of native plants.”
In addition to their academic studies, Smith has participated in the campus Forestry Club, is a member of the Society of American Foresters and serves as vice president of UM’s Pacific Islanders Club.
The Udall Scholarship honors the legacies of Morris Udall and Stewart Udall, whose careers had a significant impact on Native American self-governance, health care and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources. Since the program’s inception in 1996, the Udall Foundation has awarded 1,788 scholarships totaling over $9.1 million.