The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association awarded its 2024 Linda Ulland Memorial scholarship to Pequot Lakes student, Aubrey Larsen. Scholarship committee member, Mike Schwieters, presented the award at the Pequot Lakes High School Awards night in May.

Every year the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association offers byway area students an opportunity to apply for the Linda Ulland Memorial scholarship, an award of $1000.00 that was established in 2012. Byway area schools include Pequot Lakes High School, Pine River-Backus High School and Crosslake Community School.

Linda Ulland, this scholarship’s namesake, was instrumental in helping the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association organize as a non-­‐profit group and in crafting the bedrock documents that continue to guide the Association today. Her dedication and many volunteer hours helped to assure the establishment and longevity of the Byway. The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway celebrated 25 years of official designation last November at its annual meeting.

Linda Ulland served in various capacities in several other organizations as well, including Crosslake/Ideal Lions, Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Crosslake Lutheran Church. She also served three years as manager at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

The Linda Ulland Memorial Scholarship provides PBSBA with an opportunity to honor Linda’s commitment to working on environmental issues, community service and volunteerism.

Students whose application highlights things they have done throughout high school in these areas are strong candidates. This year’s winner, Aubrey Larsen, identified interest in natural disasters and their relationship to environmental issues and shared a long list of volunteer work and community service she has done and continues to do. Best of luck to Aubrey as she pursues her future goals.