MISSOULA – Polson High School graduates Aubrey and Beatrix Frissell will both attend the University of Montana this fall as recipients of the Presidential Leadership Scholarship.

They are the children of Christopher Frissell and Dale Hannon.

UM’s Presidential Leadership Scholars are chosen based on leadership, service and academic merit, and their scholarships are renewable for a total of four years. This year’s incoming PLS cohort had an average GPA of 3.92 and an average ACT score of 31.

Aubrey will study fine arts at UM, and it was the arts and culture offerings that drew him to Missoula.

“The flourishing arts community in Missoula has inspired me to become involved with several public art projects over the years,” he said. “The lively community and thriving culture led me to choose UM, and I look forward to getting more involved with it.

“I’ve always been interested in telling impactful stories through art and writing. I hope to find an effective way to tell stories in an artistically meaningful way, whether it be through illustrated books, public art, or whatever other mediums prove most effective.”

Beatrix intends to study ecosystem science and restoration.

“My love for Montana and the culture in Missoula drew me to the University of Montana,” she said. “Growing up in Montana, I’ve always loved the fact that I can go hiking and enjoy the outdoors so close to home and living in Missoula allows me to do that, as well as learn in an interactive environment that is so vital to my major.”

A love of the outdoors also spurred in Beatrix a desire to protect it.

“As a young child, I loved fly-fishing with my dad along the river at our favorite campground, Alta, in the Bitterroot National Forest,” she said. “As I have grown older, so has my passion for nature, and with it my knowledge of how uncertain the future of places like the Bitterroot National Forest are.

“Hit by issues like climate change, invasive species and loss of biodiversity, I am devastated knowing that without action, we could lose habitats that contain some of the most beautiful creatures in the world – habitats that have shaped who I am. With this knowledge, I have developed an obligation to making our world a better place so that future generations can see the beauty I have been so privileged to see.”

Both Aubrey and Beatrix noted the influence of their older brother, Peregrine, in their lives.

“I would like to thank my brother, Peregrine, for guiding me at an early age,” Aubrey said. “He set a powerful example for me, teaching me the importance of hard work and treating others with kindness and respect.”

“My older brother, Peregrine, has been a vital role model to me throughout the years and has inspired me to be so active in activities from student government to Key Club, as well as helping me during my struggles,” Beatrix said. “Further, my parents have also played a special role in instilling the solid values I hold and shaping me to be who I am. I would like to thank all of them for helping me so much these last few years and giving critical advice and support in times of need.”