2026 Colona Scholarship Recipient

The Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association is proud to announce Sloan Annemarie Christensen of Juneau, Alaska, as the recipient of the 2026 Colona Scholarship.

A graduating senior at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé, Sloan has distinguished herself through academic achievement, community involvement, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Sloan maintains a 3.68 GPA and has participated in cross country, Future Women of STEM, and the Junior National Honor Society.  

The daughter of Master Chief Machinery Technician Michael Aaron Christensen, Sloan represents the values of service, perseverance, and leadership that the Colona Scholarship was established to recognize. Throughout her high school years, Sloan balanced academics with employment and volunteer service, including community clean-up efforts, assisting with fundraisers, supporting local classrooms, and helping direct marathon events. 

Sloan plans to attend Oregon Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in Environmental Science. She has already been offered admission for the Fall 2026 term and was awarded the Jesse Crabtree Presidential Scholarship in recognition of her academic accomplishments. 

In her scholarship essay titled “What Goes Around Comes Around,” Sloan reflected on growing up in a military family that frequently relocated and described how the ocean became her constant source of comfort and inspiration. Her passion for protecting the environment grew as she learned more about pollution and climate change, motivating her to participate in community cleanups and pursue environmental studies. 

Sloan wrote that she hopes to use her education to “assess and monitor environmental conditions and come up with sustainable solutions for global environmental issues,” while ensuring future generations can experience the beauty of nature the same way she has. 

The Association congratulates Sloan Christensen on this well-earned achievement and looks forward to seeing the positive impact she will make in the future through her studies, leadership, and dedication to protecting the environment.