2023 Student of the Year Runners-Up
As we approach our event An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on May 11, we would like to recognize the runners-up for our annual Student of the Year Award! We had the wonderful opportunity to learn about some of the amazing students who have participated in NatureBridge programs and are excited to share their stories. June and Alondra are two incredible examples of young people who have been impacted by their time with us and continue to inspire those around them. Please help us congratulate all of our Student of the Year 2023 Runners-Up!
June Lifland
5th grade, Coastal Camp
What was your biggest takeaway from your experience with NatureBridge?
My biggest takeaway from my experience at NatureBridge has been that being outside in community learning with other kids is a great change from sitting inside in a classroom all day!
How do you remain inspired to be a steward of the environment?
I remain inspired to be a steward of the environment by using the knowledge and skills I’ve developed over the years at Coastal Camp when I am exploring National Parks with my family and friends. I love being able to identify plants and animal/sea creatures and help make sure we leave no trace when we leave the park.
What are your plans for the future around nature, leadership or science?
I would love to someday be a counselor at Coastal Camp (when I am old enough) and encourage younger kids to build confidence in hiking and exploration.
Student of the Year 2023 Runner Up
Student of the Year 2023 Runner Up
Student of the Year 2023 Runner Up
Alondra Lopez
12th grade, WildLink
What was your biggest takeaway from your experience with NatureBridge?
Being able to climb Mt. Hoffman was the biggest takeaway from my experience. That was my first hike ever and I enjoyed it. Climbing to the summit was a challenge for me and I am proud to say I overcame it. Looking back at what I accomplished I feel a sense of exuberance just by remembering the experience. I am very happy that my experience with NatureBridge was a wonderful memory that I will forever remember.
How do you remain inspired to be a steward of the environment?
I feel inspired to use the knowledge I acquired at NatureBridge to inform those around me about wilderness and the importance of Yosemite National Park. I think it is important for other students to know the important role that nature can play in a person’s life and the world around them.
What are your plans for the future around nature, leadership or science?
After going to Yosemite, I would definitely love to revisit the wilderness and have more experience hiking and backpacking. I would like to encourage other people like my friends to visit Yosemite National Park so they can experience something new and breathtaking. I hope that this experience will help them as it helped me.
Student of the Year 2023 Runner Up
Student of the Year 2023 Runner Up
Stories
An Incredible 10th Anniversary of Evening on the Lake
On October 25, the Amazon Meeting Center in downtown Seattle buzzed with celebratory energy as over 300 NatureBridge guests and supporters gathered for the 10th anniversary of "Evening on the Lake," our signature Pacific Northwest fundraising event for our Olympic campus.
2024 Olympic Student of the Year: Ames Black O'Neal
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Olympic Student of the Year: eighth grader Ames Black O'Neal.
Ames participated in a NatureBridge program with his seventh grade class from Portland, OR at our Olympic campus in spring 2024. As a self-described "nature nut," Ames was surprised by how much he learned at NatureBridge and how meaningful he found the hands-on, immersive experience to be. As he later reflected, "Learning is so much more impactful when you are surrounded by the subject matter."
In Memoriam: Bill Anders, Visionary Leader and Co-Founder of Yosemite Institute
Earlier this year, we mourned the loss of William “Bill” Anders, a true environmental champion and visionary leader whose impact resonated deeply for NatureBridge and society at large.
As a member of the historic Apollo 8 mission in 1968, Bill captured the iconic “Earthrise” photo—a stunning image of our small, delicate planet rising over the moon’s horizon. Reflecting on this moment, he remarked, “We came all this way to explore the Moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered the Earth.”