The Collaborative Awards Scholarship to Weston Resident Lily LaRue

LONDONDERRY, VT June 26, 2025  – The Collaborative of Londonderry proudly announces that Lily LaRue, a resident of Weston and recent Burr and Burton Academy graduate, is the recipient of its annual Resilience Through Understanding™ (RTU) Scholarship. RTU, a recently trademarked substance misuse and asset-building program, empowers middle and high school-aged students and their caring adults across 18 towns, 10 local schools, and the home school population throughout southern Vermont. The program fosters healthy lifestyles, emotional wellbeing, and strong community connections as alternatives to substance misuse.

In her compelling application, LaRue wrote how RTU equipped her “to encourage my family and friends to make healthy choices. By learning facts and hearing stories and experiences from everyday people, it really broadened my understanding of substances as a whole, giving me real insight into how to deal with them.”  LaRue plans to use the $1,500 award to explore post-secondary studies in sustainability and architectural design, fields that align with her desire to have a positive impact on the planet.

This year, almost 400 students participated in the RTU program, and The Collaborative received many outstanding scholarship applications. Natalie Philpot, RTU Programs Coordinator, commented on LaRue’s selection:  “The Collaborative is excited to offer the fourth RTU Scholarship to Lily LaRue. As an artist, Lily looks at the world through the lens of creativity and compassion, and we are very much looking forward to the impact that she will continue to make as she moves toward her hopes and dreams. She has been a part of the RTU program for 6 years and has demonstrated passion for making her community a more vibrant and beautiful place.” LaRue plans to create a unique piece of art for The Collaborative that represents her experience with RTU.

The Collaborative (thecollaborative.us), is a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission of empowering healthy youth, families, and communities. Operating in Windham, Windsor, and Bennington counties, its RTU program has promoted healthy alternatives and community connection for thousands of participants since 2004. This impact is possible with the support of local businesses, including Stratton Mountain Resort, Hunter Park at Riley Rink Ice Skating, Viking Nordic Center, Magic Mountain, and The Dorset Players, that supply recreational and cultural passes to participants who complete the program. For information on the RTU program, please contact rtu@thecollaborative.us