The League of Women Voters of Martha’s Vineyard awarded its 2016 scholarship to
Astrid Tilton, a graduating student from the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School in West
Tisbury. According to a press release, the League of Women Voters of Martha’s Vineyard is a nonpartisan political organization that through advocacy and education promotes active citizen participation in the democratic process and in supporting areas of community concern such as natural resources and environment. To that end, they also support opportunities for higher education for Island youth who show interest in pursuing areas of study in environmental or political sciences or women’s studies.
Astrid has demonstrated her interest in environmental and political studies while working with her mentor, Nola Taylor, program leader of Island Grown Schools; she was also given the
opportunity to join with State Representative Tim Madden in establishing a Massachusetts Farm to School Month. While working with another sponsor, Samantha Look at Vineyard Conservation Society, Astrid helped to create a bylaw that would ban plastic bag use in each of the Island towns. Astrid’s third mentorship, with photographer David Welch, led to a knowledge of darkroom skills, the processing of digital photography, creating a website, and conducting darkroom classes for other students.
Astrid has been described as bright, highly motivated, curious, charismatic, well-liked, and respected by peers and teachers. The press release said that the league is proud to honor Ms. Tilton’s efforts and aspirations with a scholarship, and wishes her well in all her endeavors.