Meet the 2025 Chance Copeland-Ladd Scholarship Recipients

The Chance Copeland-Ladd Scholarship was established in honor of the young son of former Mountain Recreation board member Bobby Ladd. Chance was born in February 2018 with a heart defect and was able to breathe the pure Rocky Mountain air before losing his battle. His memory lives on and is honored through this scholarship, which is awarded annually to up to two Mountain Rec employees or volunteers pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree who embody our organization’s values of courage, joy, community, learning and excellence.  

“I was honored to work with Bobby on the Mountain Rec board because his passion for recreation and this community was unmatched. When his son Chance passed, we all wanted to do something to support the family and community by creating a scholarship to honor his son,” said Chris Pryor, Mountain Rec former board member.  

The 2025 Chance Copeland-Ladd Scholarship is for $2,500 per recipient. Mountain Rec is pleased to announce the winners: Christi San Diego and Alan Rodell. Both Christi and Alan have made significant contributions to our Rec Kids day camps.  

Christi San Diego is currently a sophomore at Lewis & Clark College, pursuing a degree in political science. A 2023 graduate of Eagle Valley High School, Christi reflects fondly on the supportive and inclusive environment Mountain Rec provided during her childhood. Known as “Bro” during her time as a camp counselor with Rec Kids, Christi brought unmatched energy and dedication to her role.  

“She’s always there when we needed her, takes extra shifts and is a friendly and strong team member. The kids always asked, ‘Is Bro coming to camp today?’ shared Lucia Yeo, day camps and active older adults coordinator. 

Alan Rodell—affectionately known as “Alien” by our campers—has been a dedicated counselor at Rec Kids day camps for the past three years, serving in Edwards, Eagle and Gypsum.  

“Alan is our most reliable counselor—always responsive and quick to make himself available,” said Yeo.  

Alan describes Mountain Rec as a welcoming and uplifting place that brings joy to the community and encourages everyone to thrive. He shared that the campers’ excitement when he arrives is one of the highlights of his day and fuels his passion for the work. Alan plans to attend MSU Denver to study theater, while continuing his involvement with our camps. 

Mountain Rec wishes Christi and Alan all the best in their academic pursuits and invites all Mountain Rec staff who are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs to apply in December.