Congratulations to Makena Plourde, a former Citrus College student who was recently featured in a Forestry Challenge College and Career Newsletter!

Makena's interest in environmental sciences began in high school. During her junior year, she joined an academic team that introduced her to natural resource management. Shortly after, she became a competitor for Forestry Challenge, a scholastic competition that introduces high school students to forestry professions and career paths.

After learning of Citrus College through Diane Dealey Neill, executive director of the Forestry Challenge, Makena enrolled and took several courses, including FOR 105 Wildland Fire Management. While at Citrus College, she also got to experience fire season while working as a forestry technician.

"I really enjoyed my time at Citrus," she said. "Robert Goodman, our program instructor, has such a passion for what he teaches that he makes it so extremely enjoyable!"

Currently, Makena is finishing up her general education at Moorpark College and getting ready to transfer to a four-year university, where she plans to earn a bachelor's degree in forestry. She will soon be working for Sierra Pacific Industries as the Camino District intern. Her ultimate career goal is to be a registered professional forester and manage land for private entities.

Way to go, Makena! Wishing you the very best – once an Owl, always an Owl!