By Meg Wempe
Chair, Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs Scholarship Selection Committee
The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Rotary Scholarships, awarding a total of $25,000 to three outstanding local graduates pursuing higher education.
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
Leah Blackman, Alexis “Lexi” Campbell, and Dylan Dempster
- Leah Blackman, who plans to attend Colorado State University and major in biomedical science with a concentration in anatomy and physiology.
- Alexis “Lexi” Campbell, who will attend either University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Fort Lewis College to pursue a degree in business marketing.
- Dylan Dempster, who will attend Rochester Institute of Technology and major in environmental sciences.
The three recipients were selected from more than a dozen applications submitted by exceptional local students. The Rotary Club congratulates these scholarship winners and applauds their dedication, leadership, and commitment to their future goals and creating lasting change in the world.
The club also extends its congratulations to the entire Pagosa Springs High School Class of 2026 and wishes all graduates success and fulfillment in the years ahead.
Since 1983, the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs has awarded more than $609,000 in scholarships to 207 local high school graduates, helping students pursue college, trade school, and professional training opportunities. These scholarships are made possible through the generous support of the Pagosa Springs community and local businesses that continue to support Rotary fundraising efforts year after year.
The club’s signature fundraiser, the Jewels and Jeans Barn Dance, will return on Oct. 24. Community members are encouraged to save the date and join Rotary in supporting the next generation of local leaders, professionals, and changemakers.
The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs was chartered in 1979 and currently includes 62 active members dedicated to living the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.” The club meets every Thursday at noon. Learn more about the club’s projects, scholarships, and membership opportunities at pagosaspringsrotary.org.