Lopez woman wins Fulbright Award

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, July 28, 2026

By Mary Bywater Cross

The prestigious Fulbright Scholarship has selected Gwen Westervelt for its English Teaching Assistant Award in Spain for 2026-2027. The program, under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State, places recent college graduates and young professionals in schools around the world to support English instruction and serve as cultural ambassadors. Westervelt will spend the coming school year on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, off the coast of Spain. She will work with local teachers to help students develop their English skills through lessons and activities about American culture. The award includes a monthly stipend, travel allowance and insurance benefits.

Graduating from Spring Street International School on San Juan Island (2022) was a likely springboard, but Westervelt credits her inspiration and ability to apply for and win a Fulbright to Iowa’s Cornell College, from which she graduated this year. “Cornell really emphasized intercultural literacy,” Westervelt said, through coursework, extracurricular activities and mentorship, which in turn strengthened her communication and leadership skills.

Mentioning that she was raised in an island culture may also have enhanced Westervelt’s Fulbright application. Tenerife is much like Lopez, economically dependent on tourism, while facing the associated challenges of housing and environmental impact. Over the past several years, Westervelt has worked at Holly B’s Bakery, Lopez Coffee Shop and Vita’s, and most recently, in customer services for On-Site Island Services and Sunset Builders. “My personal experiences here on Lopez definitely helped,” Westervelt said, to build successful relationships across all kinds of lines.

Asked what advice she would give fellow Lopez students, Westervelt replied, “Take advantage of the support systems around you, ask questions, and pursue experiences that push you outside your comfort zone.”

For Westervelt, the coming adventure on Tenerife will help her as she pursues a career in education, public service and international engagement. The entire Lopez Island community wishes Westervelt the best as she leaves in early September.