Scholarship Honoring a Fallen Warden

The Maine Trappers Association has set up a new scholarship named after former warden pilot Joshua Tibbetts, who lost his life in a tragic aircraft accident on May 12 near Avon. The award was launched through the association’s newly created nonprofit, the MTA Outdoor Learning Foundation, and involved close collaboration with Tibbetts’ sister Tricia Clifford. Joshua graduated from Nokomis Regional High School and served as a game warden pilot, known for his kindness, generosity, and self‑less spirit. The association highlighted how he was deeply committed to helping others chase their aspirations, and the scholarship aims to carry forward that legacy.Recipients of the award will pursue studies in fields such as conservation, wildlife management, public service, or any discipline that supports Maine’s natural resources and outdoor traditions. The goal is to provide financial support for students who wish to protect and celebrate the state’s wilderness. Looking ahead, the association plans to grow a dedicated fund that will sustain educational opportunities for future generations of Maine students. By investing in these young people, the scholarship hopes to keep Tibbetts’ dedication to service alive for years to come. This initiative reflects a broader effort within the region to honor those who safeguard the outdoors while encouraging new talent to join the mission of conservation and stewardship.