2025Vol42No3NBUJournal

NBU LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The NBU Legacy Scholarship Program was developed to honor individuals that have contributed significant time and resources to NBU. The program was also developed to commemorate the accomplishments of NBU throughout our history. It’s our goal as sportsmen and working professionals to leave a legacy of wildlife conservation for future generations. We feel that supporting students with academic scholarships will aid our mission and benefit Nevada’s wildlife immensely. Funding for this program comes from countless sportsmen volunteer hours and dollars. In 2025, NBU selected the following students as the recipients of the Legacy Scholarship Program. Learn about them below!

Alanna Garcia

I am a master’s student in Dr. Kelley Stewart’s Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Lab at the University of Nevada, Reno, and currently serve as the Wildlife Health Technician for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. I am passionate about mammal ecology and the ways in which high-quality research can shed light on patterns in animal movement, behavior, and resource selection. My research centers on black bear ecology in Nevada, with a particular focus on habitat selection and the effects of the expanding urban interface. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with a variety of species across the western U.S., including pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, bobcats, and mule deer. In the future, I hope to continue conducting meaningful research while also engaging the public in conversations about wildlife conservation. My name is Brenden Yazinka, and I’m honored to have received the Nevada Bighorns Unlimited (NBU) scholarship in support of my commitment to wildlife conservation. I was born and raised in Nevada and graduated from Spanish Springs High School in 2022. I earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and I’ve been involved in hunter education for over 10 years, starting at age 11 when I began assisting my grandfather in teaching classes. Since then, I’ve continued to be part of a team that helps educate others on safe and responsible hunting. Growing up in this state, I’ve developed a deep respect for our wildlife and wild places, and I’m excited to dedicate my career as Game Warden for NDOW to protect the resources and traditions that mean so much to all Nevadans. Hello, everyone! My name is Christopher Esparza. I was born and raised in Winnemucca, Nevada. In this picture, I am hiking at our beautiful Water Canyon! I graduated from Lowry High School in 2020 (the covid class). Right now, I am studying to get my Bachelor's in Instrumentation Technology! I have always loved walking and hiking outdoors! I have hiked in Lake Tahoe, Umpqua Forest near Crater Lake, Valley of Fire, and many other places! Hopefully in the future, I will get to hike more beautiful places! Hello NBU! Wow I am humbled to be a recipient of the NBU Legacy Scholarship! Let me introduce myself. I am currently a Junior at UNR with a focus on Biology and Criminal Justice. I am keeping my options open, leaning towards a career with the Nevada Department of Wildlife. I spent last semester in a multitude of volunteer opportunities, from monitoring spawning Rainbow Trout at Lake Tahoe to maintenance on Wood Duck Boxes in Fallon for NDOW. As the 1st female President of the University of Nevada Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, we assisted in nearly every NGO fundraiser banquet in Northern Nevada. In my free time, I assist the Coalition for Nevada’s Wildlife in providing in person and written testimony on Bills attempting to pass the past 2 legislative sessions which would negatively impact the resources of our great state. For fun I am an avid outdoorsman, I enjoy wake surfing, camping, hunting and socializing with my sorority Kappa Alpha Theta.

Brenden Yazinka

Chris Esparza

Gianna Powning Caselli

I am most proud to say that this year I was crowned as your Miss Reno Rodeo 2026! It’s going to be a busy year friends!

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