Northwest Vermont Endurance
SKI ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, NO MATTER WHAT.
SPIKE CLAYTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- BE POSITIVE - WORK HARD - NEVER GIVE UP -
About
The Spike Clayton Memorial Scholarship commemorates a life devoted to the enjoyment of sport. Spike's passion for sports inspired anyone who interacted with him. He shared his expertise generously, making everyone realize their value to the sport by recognizing their contributions. NWVE is honored to carry on Spike's legacy by awarding a Vermont Nordic Skier embodying his mantra, Be Positive - Work Hard - Never Give Up with this award.
Two $500.00 awards are given annually.
Click the Donate button below to contribute to this fund. NWVE is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit charity operated completely by volunteers. 100% of donations will be awarded to selected athletes applying for the award.
Recipients
2023
Anders Erickson
Anders began skiing as a toddler. In middle school, he joined the Sleepy Hollow BKL Club. He went on to ski in high school for CVU. Anders has been actively serving the community building boardwalks on the Shelburne Bay Trail as an Eagle Scout, and volunteering with the food completing phone orders with people who do not have access to a computer. Anders will attend Cornell University to study Biological Engineering and plans to ski as well.
2023
Matthew Servin
Matthew started skiing in his second year of high school. Though it was a tough transition from hockey, he represented CVU as an outstanding endurance athlete. He was recognized as the 2022 Gatorade XC Athlete of the Year. Matthew actively pursued improving the community through his leadership in the Action Change Training Club, raising awareness in areas of consent and sexual violence prevention. Matthew will attend Bowdoin College and compete with their cross-country running and track and field teams.
2022
Ava Thurston
Ava won her first nordic race just before her 4th birthday at the 2007 Bolton Opener and has never looked back. She skied with the Mansfield Nordic Club and represented the Harwood Highlanders with outstanding results and leadership in Cross Country running and skiing. She applied herself to the same standard academically and in contributing to the community. Ava will continue on her trajectory with the Big Green at Dartmouth College.
2022
Lydia Hodgeman
Lydia has been a model student and citizen, taking advantage of opportunities to serve during the COVID-19 disruption. She volunteered in place of Senior volunteers who could not fulfill their duties due to the susceptibility of their vulnerability to the virus. Lydia skied for the Mansfield Nordic Club and BFA St. Albans while maintaining an impeccable AP and Honors Academic Transcript. Lydia will continue her studies at the University of Vermont, majoring in Molecular Genetics.
2021
Jack Christner
Jack embraced cross country skiing after a move to Vermont. He found the activity to be his ticket to exploring the mountainous landscape. Soon he was involved with BKL skiing and excelled in the renowned Frost Mountain program at Rickert Touring Center.
He plans to stay local and has a spot on the Middlebury College Nordic Team!
2021
Abigail Sweet
Abigail's experiences with her cross country team have had a tremendous impact on her plans for the future. She has made many connections through the sport and followed the values of Spike through her Coach Fred Griffin. She plans to study Political Science at the University of Vermont, applying some of the lessons and energy learned through skiing as she gets involved in making change!
Emma comes from a local family of Nordic skiers who wish to share their enthusiasm for the sport with others from the first time they step on a ski to national championships. Emma has volunteered with local clubs and teams ushering participants to endure the initial bumps and bruises to gaining an appreciation for the sport. She will be attending St. Lawrence University, following the tradition of a long lineage of fine CVU skiers who have excelled in the Saints program. Emma will ski with Spike’s mantra – Be Positive – Work Hard – Never Give Up – as she aspires as a collegiate athlete!
Brook Hodgeman
May 2019
It is with great enthusiasm that we name the 2019 recipient of the NWVE Scholarship Award. The depth of the application pool once again showed the remarkable achievements of the youth participating in our sport. All are engaged in improving the community and helping others. Brook's application stood out among the best as his community service had a deeply personal meaning.
Brook worked with the local rotary club to bridge the next generation with community entrepreneurship. He also volunteered to help provide ski equipment at little or no cost to those in need, including over 1000 jackets. Brook is not only a leadership, athletic, and academic ambassador; he is also an activist for those with neurodegenerative disorders. Being diagnosed with epilepsy has only fueled his drive to be an inspiration and a role model for others. He has done much to destigmatize epilepsy, including recording a PSA used by medical professionals to give a message of hope to youth newly diagnosed with seizure disorders.
Brook has also decided to keep all of his talents local by attending St. Michael's College.
Congratulations!
NWVE Board of Directors
Erin Magill
May 2018
We are honored to announce this year’s recipient of the NWVE Annual Scholarship. As usual, we had an incredible pool of applicants who show that the continuation of the sport is in the hands of the best people. It is amazing to see all the different ways this year’s applicants are exemplary citizens contributing to others in so many positive ways. All were outstanding model citizens, but one won us over with her tenacity, optimism and genuine excitement for skiing. Working through the ranks with dedication, this recipient’s enthusiasm for the sport spread throughout her team. She stuck with the scholastic events continuously improving, highlighted by a solid top 10 in the Vermont State Championship on a tough day to ski.
Erin Magill has been selected for 2018’s award. In addition to skiing, Erin has received recognition for her academic performance, was a clarinetist in a multitude of ensembles including the New England Music Festival, has an impressive competitive running resume, and has raised awareness and funds for She’s the First a club that provides resources to women who are the first in their family to go to high school in less fortunate areas around the world. Erin will attend Brandeis University next year where she will continue to pursue excellence in her many interests!
Congratulations!
NWVE Board of Directors
Alexandra Lawson
May 2017
NWVE is honored and excited to announce the recipient of 2017's NWVE Scholarship Award. All applicants were excellent and highly qualified. We know the Cross Country Skiing Community is full of exceptional people, but all of the candidates went above and beyond in so many ways. With the level of commitment, contribution and ambitions in all the activities, causes and charities these applicants were affiliated with, they are destined for success. The board found themselves torn in only being able to award one scholarship among so many deserving applicants. A good problem to have.
Alexandra Lawson has been selected as 2017's recipient of the NWVE Scholarship. In addition to her numerous Nordic Skiing achievements, Alexandra has also received commendation for academic excellence. She has made time to serve and inspire the community through volunteer work at local hospitals and youth programs that encourage children to become more involved with math, science and technology. Alexandra is looking forward to continuing on her phenomenal trajectory at Middlebury College.
Congratulations!
NWVE Board of Directors
Forrest Hamilton
May 2016
NWVE is honored and excited to announce the recipient of this year's NWVE Scholarship Award. All applicants were excellent and highly qualified. We know the Cross Country Skiing Community is full of exceptional people, but all of the candidates went above and beyond in so many ways. With the level of commitment, contribution and ambitions in all the activities, causes and charities these applicants were affiliated with, they are destined for success. The board found themselves torn in only being able to award one scholarship among so many deserving applicants. A good problem to have.
After extended deliberation it was decided to award Forrest Hamilton. Forrest has been a fixture in the Vermont and New England skiing scene for most of his life. In addition to his clear dedication to competing in the sport he has done much to help with local youth and school programs. Forrest has also made Eagle Scout dedicating his project to Camp Ta Kum Ta.
Forrest will be attending Bates College in the fall where his drive will guide him to continued success and higher aspirations.
Congratulations!
NWVE Board of Directors
Emma Strack
Finn cannot remember a time before he was Nordic skiing. He was raised in a family that instilled the importance of giving back to the sport. Finn has volunteered, helping youth skiers in the Craftsbury Nordic programs that helped him excel as an athlete. He plans to carry on this duty as he seeks greater goals. Finn will be joining the UVM Nordic Team, where his big sister has set the bar high as a Catamount skier!
Finn Sweet
2020
NWVE Annual $500 Scholarship
Scholarship
NWVE provides a $500 scholarship to a Vermont Senior who will begin attending college in the fall and has participated in Nordic skiing for at least two seasons during high school. Awards based on spirit for the sport. See below for instructions and application.
2016
2017
2018
