A WSU student who delved into the local history of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s has earned a national award, one of 16 in the country.
John Menard of Yakima, Wash., a senior in history, will travel to New York City on June 3 to accept the Gilder Lehrman History Scholar Award. The honor recognizes outstanding college juniors and seniors who have demonstrated academic and extracurricular excellence in American history or American studies, as well as a commitment to public service and community involvement, according to the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History website.
Award winners spend a weekend participating in special presentations, meetings with eminent scholars, and behind-the-scenes tours of historic archives.
“I’m very proud to be among such select company, and I’m also very proud to represent the Cougars,” said Menard, who noted he is one of two WSU students to have received the award since 2003. “I’m excited for this experience. It opens the door to so much more.”