High school seniors in Rutland County and Windsor County now have the opportunity to apply for the $2,500 Jimmy LeSage Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to support students who share a passion for wellness and a love for the outdoors as they pursue a 2- or 4-year undergraduate degree after graduation.
Honoring a pioneer in wellness, this scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate an appreciation for wellness and an active connection to nature. The scholarship was created in memory of Jimmy LeSage, a pioneer in the spa and wellness industry and the founder of the renowned New Life Hiking Spa & Wellness Retreat in Vermont.
For over 40 years, LeSage dedicated his life to promoting health, wellness, and a deep connection with nature.
For many decades, New Life Hiking Spa operated in Killington, where guests explored the beauty of Rutland and Windsor Counties through guided hikes. Many of the retreat’s employees were residents of these areas, reflecting LeSage’s strong ties to the local community.
LeSage’s passion for helping others achieve balance and well-being earned New Life recognition as one of the country’s top destination spas. Following his passing in 2024, this scholarship was created to honor his legacy and continued commitment to health, nature, and community.
How to apply
Applicants are encouraged to share what wellness means to them, how they incorporate wellness into their lives, or what hiking in Vermont represents to them. Additional entry information and application details can be found at:
bold.org/scholarships/jimmy-lesage-memorial-scholarship.
A legacy of wellness and community
Kathleen LeSage, Jimmy’s wife, commented, “This is a wonderful way to honor Jimmy’s memory. His passing in May was around the time New Life Hiking Spa would open every season in Killington. This scholarship will be awarded in May, and of course, we will be thinking about the one-year anniversary of his passing. I think Jimmy would be happy that this is taking place during a time of year that was so special to him in a community that he loved. Our children, James and LeAnne, and I are looking forward to working on this annual scholarship together to keep Jimmy’s love for learning and nature alive.”
