TRUCKEE, Calif. — As students across the Truckee–North Tahoe region head back to school this fall, 14 recent graduates are beginning their college journeys with $515,800 in scholarships from the Martis Camp Foundation.

The scholarships recognize exceptional graduates from Truckee High School and North Tahoe High School for their academic achievement, leadership, character and commitment to their communities. This year’s recipients will attend colleges and universities across the country, pursuing fields ranging from nursing, mechanical engineering and biology to international relations, business, law and environmental science.

Following a highly competitive review process and an exceptionally strong applicant pool, the Martis Camp Foundation Board of Directors significantly increased scholarship funding this year, resulting in the largest total scholarship award in the Foundation’s history and expanding support for local students.

The $515,800 awarded this year represents a meaningful increase from the $423,500 awarded in 2025 and reflects the Foundation’s continued investment in helping local students pursue higher education.

2026 Scholarship Awards

Changemaker Scholarship — $60,000: Recognizes a student with the vision, drive and potential to create meaningful impact.
Recipient: Enrique Trinidad Castellanos, San Francisco State University

Committed Scholarship — $60,000: Recognizes a student committed to contributing to the Truckee–North Tahoe region.
Recipient: Litzy Payan, California State University, Chico

“Receiving the Martis Camp Foundation Scholarship means more than financial support. It represents people believing in my future and helping make my dream of becoming a nurse possible,” said Payan. “Growing up, I often translated at doctors’ appointments for my Spanish-speaking family, and those experiences showed me how language barriers can make healthcare confusing and overwhelming. I hope to become a bilingual nurse who helps patients feel understood and respected and gives back to the community that has supported my family.”

Ambition Scholarships — Up to $40,000 per recipient: Recognize students who demonstrate determination, resilience and a commitment to making a difference.

Recipients:

• Ava Bergstrand-Toole, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
• Azul Garcia-Garcia, California State University, Fullerton
• Dylan Hlistra, University of California, Santa Barbara
• Estefania Gaitan Meza, Williams College
• Isabel Felipe, University of California, Riverside
• Jessica Wurzelbacher, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
• Maria Elias-Ramirez, San José State University
• Sierra Medara, University of San Diego
• Tessa Pierce, University of California, Santa Barbara
• Valeria Paniagua Sanchez, Trinity College

Denise Martinez Scholarships — $20,000 per recipient: Honor student-athletes who exemplify integrity, kindness, hard work, and fair play.
Recipients:

Randy Garcia, Pitzer College
Logan Kane, San Diego State University

“As these students begin an exciting new chapter, we’re proud to celebrate all they have accomplished, and all that lies ahead,” said Morgan Steel, Executive Director of the Martis Camp Foundation. “This year’s applicant pool was truly exceptional, and our Board’s decision to increase scholarship funding reflects our belief in the incredible potential of these students. We hope this support helps remove financial barriers so they can focus on learning, growing and pursuing their dreams.”

For more than a decade, the Martis Camp Foundation has invested in local students and community organizations through scholarships and grants made possible by the generosity of Martis Camp Members. These scholarships represent more than financial assistance.

They reflect the Martis Camp community’s belief in the potential of local students and its commitment to helping the next generation of leaders pursue their goals.

The Martis Camp Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation and the Tahoe Truckee Community Scholarship Committee for their partnership in administering the scholarship application process and facilitating the distribution of scholarship funds. Their collaboration helps ensure a seamless and effective experience for students and families throughout the region.