By Theresa Phillips
LMUD Public Relations Manager
2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Lassen Municipal Utility District Community Scholarship program. Since its beginning, the program has helped dozens of local students achieve their dreams of continuing their educations. From nurses to lineworkers, engineers to teachers, students from all walks of life participated in the program. Each of them is a testament to the positive influence that a community-owned utility can have on the people it serves.
LMUD’s connection to the scholarship recipients doesn’t end when they receive their checks. LMUD often hears from students excited to share how their studies are going and what they’ve been up to.
Ezra Luedecke was awarded the 2022 graduating high school senior scholarship. He was the first recipient to be selected from Thompson Peak Charter School. His essay about his teacher who inspired him to reach for the stars inspired the committee to award him the scholarship. Ezra is now pursuing a career in teaching. He is in his third term at Western Governors University.
“I’m flying along with my classes,” Ezra says. “I’ll be able to get done well ahead of when my term ends in March, I still have quite a few terms ahead of me, but my progress has been great so far.”
Ezra has returned to Thompson Peak Charter as a paraeducator.
“I’m learning a lot and I have many amazing opportunities to grow my knowledge as an educator, and being able to help others is just amazing,” he says. “The position has helped me grow as a person and break out of my shell.”
Outside of school and work, Ezra says that he doesn’t have much free time, and what free time he does have, he spends at home, tending to his plants, snuggling with his dog, Tessa, and getting in as much relaxation as possible.
What’s next for Ezra?
“If things go as I plan, I’m hoping I will have time before my term at WGU ends to work on my driver’s education—I don’t know how to drive yet—and get my driver’s license,” Ezra says. “Overall, life is great. I have a great job, college is going very well and, overall, I am enjoying all that life has to offer. I’m excited to see what my future has in store!”
Preeti Misra was awarded the 2023 continuing college student scholarship. She is the first recipient of the scholarship to pursue a career in nursing. Her desire to become a nurse is rooted in her devotion to her family. Preeti’s father, who resides in India, encouraged her to follow her dream. Through her connection to Christi Myers, the director of the nursing program at Lassen Community College, she found her way to Susanville.
Preeti is now working on her prerequisites for the registered nurse program through the Allied Health Course at LCC. She will graduate this spring and plans to work full-time for Northeastern Rural Health Clinics in the summer and fall.
“I hope to do my RN studies at LCC in the spring of 2025,” Preeti says. “I’m in the process of applying to the program, so fingers crossed that I get through. Wish me luck!”
Outside of work and studies, Preeti spends time with her host family, the McBrides, and enjoys local events and exploring Lassen County.
New Online Application
This year, the traditional paper application has been replaced with a modern, easy-to-navigate online application at lmud.org. Upload transcripts, essays, and other supporting documents directly on the application.
Qualifications
The scholarship is open to graduating seniors and college students who reside in a home that is served by Lassen MUD. 2 seniors will receive a $1,250 scholarship and 1 college student will receive $500. Scholarships are paid directly to a qualified 2-year, 4-year, or vocational institution.
The deadline to apply for the 2024 scholarship is April 30th. If you have questions regarding the program, call Philips at 1.530.257.4174.
