LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The East Lake Resource Conservation District has awarded the Frank Meisenbach Scholarship to Deanna Powell, a 2014 Yuba College graduate.

Powell will use the scholarship to further her studies as she pursues a career in conservation.

The East Lake Resource Conservation District Board of Directors established the scholarship in 2012 to honor Meisenbach, its longtime president.

Meisenbach was a community leader and Lake County farmer who believed in the power of education to create local heroes who will sustain a healthy environment for all citizens. He died in 2013.

The scholarship is awarded annually to students residing in the East Lake Resource Conservation District who are interested in furthering their education in environmental areas, such as conservation, sustainable agriculture and other related fields. Nura Brown was the 2013 recipient.

At age 21, Powell is a remarkable scholar who to a large degree is self-educated.

Her transcript at Yuba College lists 15 subjects, ranging from psychology to microbiology and in each subject she is an A student. The last time she received any grade of less than an A was in sixth grade, she said.

Powell’s father died when she was 2 years old and she has had no “father figure” in her life since then. A 26-year-old brother has been her role model.

“She’s delightful,” said Lois Meisenbach, Frank Meisenbach’s widow. “I know my husband would be pleased because he thought women should get involved in the research system.”

Lois Meisenbach, Victoria Brandon and Charlotte Griswold, all members of the conservation district board, recently joined in presenting the scholarship to Powell.

Powell said she is exploring possibilities regarding her continuing education.

“The world I’m coming into is just ahead of me,” she said. “I’m trying to figure things out. I know I can do what I want to do if I put my mind to it.”

Powell said she is considering the Central Valley as a home base once she finishes her education, “because there’s so much agriculture there.”

She added, “The field of agriculture really got me because it’s always changing. It so innovative. I‘m looking forward to pushing the boundaries.”

The scholarship is made possible by donations to East Lake Resource Conservation District, Frank Meisenbach Scholarship fund.

Donations may be sent to East Lake Resource Conservation District, 889 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport CA 95453.

For more information call 707-263-4180.

Email John Lindblom at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .