The Sconi

Representatives from The Woodstock Foundation, Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock Inn & Resort, and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park hosted an award reception on April 30 to honor the winners of the inaugural Laurance and Mary Rockefeller Legacy Scholarship Essay Competition. This annual essay program is open to students in grades 10-12 at Woodstock Union High School.

The scholarship was established by the Woodstock Foundation in 2025 to honor the legacy of Laurance and Mary Rockefeller. The selection committee awarded scholarship funds to the top three submissions. Joaquin Jones-Welker, a junior, received $2,500 for first place; Maggie Knox, also a junior, received $1,000 for second place; and Jane Stout, a senior, was awarded $500 for third place.

Students were asked to propose ideas for making a lasting positive impact in Vermont over 25, 50, or 100 years. Themes included expanding community land trusts for affordable housing and fostering cultural exchanges with cities like Boston or New York.

David Simmons, President of the Woodstock Foundation and Executive Director of Billings Farm & Museum said: “Our goal was to commemorate and celebrate Laurance and Mary’s legacy here in Woodstock. This scholarship creates an opportunity for the next generation to learn about their impact and reflect on how their values and actions can inspire us today.”

Bruce Grosbety, President of Woodstock Resort & Inn added: “Laurance and Mary Rockefeller’s impact is felt not just throughout the Woodstock community but in communities across the country where their vision is ever-present.”

Rick Kendall from Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park commented: “Stewardship is taking care of places... It is beyond gratifying to see that the next generation is ready to care for these places around Woodstock.”

Kat Robbins from Woodstock Union High School noted: “I am so grateful that this essay contest allows these young folks the ability to cultivate deeper reflection.”

The scholarship awards were supported by funding from The Woodstock Foundation, Woodstock Inn & Resort, Countryside Fund, and Green Mountain Foundation.

Founded by Laurance S. and Mary F. Rockefeller in 1968, The Woodstock Foundation promotes conservation as essential values. The foundation owns Billings Farm & Museum and supports Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park through preservation efforts.