“Standing on the cliffs of Normandy, I felt a kind of silence that speaks louder than words, a stillness that seems to hold thousands of voices just beneath the surface. Suddenly, history wasn’t something to memorize; it was something to feel,” shared Zoe Robinson, Glenwood Springs High School student, about the locally-supported initiative, the Normandy Academy.
Zoe’s reflection from Normandy embodies the values and goals of the Normandy Academy. This scholarship program provides transformational moments when youth can expand their curiosity, learn and gain new experiences outside of their comfort zone. “This trip has taught me more than any class ever could. It taught me about bravery and loss but also hope and responsibility. I left with a deeper appreciation for the freedoms I have and a promise to never forget the people who gave their lives,” Robinson exclaims.
At Aspen Community Foundation (ACF), we are honored to host a scholarship program that was established to send students from our Aspen to Parachute region to have these experiences through an educational tour with the National World War II Museum.
In 2017, Paul Bushong established the Normandy & World War II Education Fund at Aspen Community Foundation to promote youth understanding of the significance of the Battle of Normandy. Bushong’s vision and generosity has awarded scholarships to 93 local students and counting to attend the Normandy Academy, an 11-day educational tour to New Orleans, Normandy and Paris, France. “The students really enjoy the trip,” said Bushong, a 97-year-old Korean war veteran who lives in Aspen Glen. “But that wasn’t the purpose, what I want them to do is to come home and share these stories in the community before this history is completely forgotten.”
Bushong specifically invites 10th and 11th grade students to apply for this scholarship so that they can share their reflections within their communities while still in high school. “What happened in Normandy in 1944 is one of the most important events of recent history. I created this to help our local students understand this history, experience it firsthand and return home to share what they learned with friends and family.” After the trip, Bushong and ACF support the students as they seek opportunities to share their experiences with groups like the Rotary, Kiwanis, social studies classes and others.
ACF believes that developing the skills to support social, emotional, mental, and physical well-being empowers young people to engage in their community, develop healthy self-esteem and experience success through adulthood. On the Normandy trip, students are part of a large cohort that includes students from around the country. For many students, this is their first international trip and travelling by themselves. As Kian Sullivan of Basalt explains, the connections made with other students from our region and country were powerful, “I built friendships and connections with people from our valley and across the country. They positively impacted my experience on the trip and will be forever connected with others who shared this incredible journey.”
Bushong has a history of providing opportunities for students in our region through his philanthropic support of scholarships at Aspen Community Foundation, and regional organizations, like Colorado Mountain College. The uniqueness of this Normandy Academy scholarship stands out for Bushong to ensure the next generation understands the importance of the battle of Normandy, “it’s my favorite scholarship to award, because it gives our youth an opportunity to understand that the success of the Allied forces in 1944 represents the most significant event of WWII in Europe.” ACF hosts an orientation for all scholarship recipients, and every year Bushong emphasizes the importance of General Eisenhower’s leadership. Eisenhower knew the future of the European campaign rested on the landing’s success and he was prepared to be accountable for its failure. While in New Orleans and Normandy, every student must choose a veteran to conduct a research project during their 11-day academy. Students visit the National Cemetery and write letters to family members of veterans to share what they’ve learned in their research. Wynter Stubblefield of Yampah Mountain High School selected one of the four women buried at the Normandy American Cemetery. She wrote a tribute to read at her gravesite and laid a single white rose on her gravestone. “This experience has not only enhanced my understanding of this pivotal moment in history, it has also instilled a deeper appreciation for the cost of freedom and peace,” Stubblefield explained, “The lessons I have learned throughout the academy will undoubtedly shape my future perspectives and actions.”
“Stewarding this annual scholarship program with Paul Bushong is a highlight for me, as a former high school social studies teacher,” says Scott Kenner, Grants Manager at ACF. “Students return from the Normandy Academy with new perspectives on history, travel and culture that enhances their understanding of what it means to be a community leader and lifelong learner.”
Applications are now open for summer 2026 via the National World War II Museum’s website. Students in 10th and 11th grade attending a high school in the Aspen to Parachute region are eligible to apply for consideration. The deadline to apply with the museum is January 23, 2026. The tuition costs $5,895 per student. Each student is asked to pay $1,200, and the scholarship covers the rest. Students interested in this scholarship opportunity should contact ACF to learn more by email Scholarships@AspenCommunityFoundation.org or phone 970-925-9300 ext. 214.
“Normandy reminded me that history isn’t just about dates and facts; it’s about people, choice, and the legacy they leave behind,” says student, Maryn Hansen of Debeque. The ACF team is determined to sustain the legacy created by Paul Bushong’s goal to support regional student’s opportunities to learn and grow through the Normandy Academy scholarship.
If you are interested in learning how to support this impactful scholarship program, or other scholarship programs at Aspen Community Foundation, please contact Scott@aspencommunityfoundation.org or call 970-925-9300. www.AspenCommunityFoundation.org
