Last weekend, BHA hosted the 2022 BHA Scholar from the University of Louisville, Angela Olson, at the North American Rendezvous in Missoula, Montana. Created and fully funded by Kentucky BHA chapter leader and retired colonel, Mike Abell and his wife Aline, the BHA scholarship was created in 2020. The BHA scholarship is intended to be awarded to a political science student at the University of Louisville who has aspirations to one day serve in public office but who has little to no experience with hunting, angling, or the outdoors. The intent is to immerse them in the BHA community where they will forge relationships and gain experiences on our public lands and waters and walk away with a better understanding of and connection to our conservationist values. The scholarship highlights the importance of reaching across the aisle and celebrates finding common ground. This trip culminated Angela's scholarship requirements with BHA. 

"I want to start by saying thank you for allowing me to be a part of this magnificent organization Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA). Before joining, I never really knew that this organization could teach those who lack knowledge of the importance of our public lands and animals. Going into the program I was very nervous because I have not experienced the outdoor lifestyle mainly because I lacked the knowledge and awareness of what’s truly out there. I grew up in a big city on the north side of Chicago and what we have surrounding us is huge architecture and buildings not much wilderness and forests, so I lacked the experience of the outdoors and guidance."

As a part of her scholarship requirements, Angela joined the Kentucky BHA chapter for two events: a stewardship project at the Higginson Henry Wildlife Management Area and a public lands film fest.

"I had the opportunity to work with Nick, Nathan, and a few others at KDFWR Higginson Henry WMA where I was able to learn about trees and invasive species. We were able to help spray herbicide and slash trees to kill the invasive tree species and prevent regrowth, this was the first time I was introduced to the importance of eliminating these invasive species that can cause harm, before doing this I was not aware that certain tree types in one area can cause a risk to other species of trees to grow and populate properly. Another big experience for me was learning to use an ax, I have never used an ax before since there has never been an opportunity for me to learn how to utilize one. I am looking forward to going back again and hoping to see a change in Higginson Henry and see that our project was successful.

Angela was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador but moved to Chicago at the age of five. She earned her Associate's Degree from Harold Washington College before applying to and receiving acceptance at the University of Louisville. Angela plans to continue studying contract law and finish law school to obtain her J.D. and master's degrees. She worked at the O'Hare Airport in Chicago for nine years before transferring to UPS Air Cargo in Louisville. Angela spends most of her free time working extra hours or cooking. 

"Coming out of this program I have realized that fighting for legislation to protect our public lands and animals is a fight that many people should be a part of," said Angela. "I will continue to look forward to future events and hope to have my family join BHA."

Angela now joins Maurice and Jordan as a scholarship alumnus. Applications for the 2023 scholar are currently being accepted.

Read more about the BHA Scholarship here!