The Rockfall Foundation has established an annual awards
program highlighting youth achievement. The Virginia R. Rollefson Youth
Environmental Leadership Awards, named for former foundation Executive Director
Virginia R. “Ginny” Rollefson, will recognize Middlesex County high school
students who are presently involved with significant programs and projects in
areas of natural resource preservation, conservation or development.
The award will include a cash gift for those individuals
and/or groups honored, with up to two awards given each year. The
application process is open to county students in grades 9-12 beginning on
April 22, Earth Day, and will close June 1.
Each year, for more than 30 years, the foundation honors
adult individuals and groups to highlight their contributions to the county.
The Certificate of Honor is given for outstanding life-long accomplishments in
the area of natural resource preservation, conservation or development.
Certificates of Appreciation are awarded to recognize significant environmental
programs and projects.
Rockfall’s Annual Awards Subcommittee, including members Tom
ODell (Chair), Katchen Coley, and Raul deBrigard, worked with county educators
to establish criteria and help develop a youth award application process that
is thorough yet will mesh well with the rhythms and deadlines of the high
school academic year.
“We are indebted to our Youth Award
Advisors for their experience, time and enthusiasm,” says ODell “They’ve
enabled us to establish a process that is fair and manageable, while offering
meaningful recognition for those already providing leadership for our next
generation of environmental stewards.”
The Youth Award Advisors are: Rebecca Isaacson, Dept. Head, Natural Resources and
Environmental Sciences, Middletown Regional Agricultural Science &
Technology Center; Oliver Barton, Principal, Old Saybrook High School; Charles
Renshaw, retired teacher, Old Saybrook High School.
The winners will be selected and announced in October (in
time for early-decision college applications), and the public presentation will
be part of Rockfall’s Annual Meeting and Awards ceremony in November 8.
Application materials are posted on the foundation’s website www.rockfallfoundation.org.
The
Rockfall Foundation supports environmental education, conservation programs and
planning initiatives in Middlesex County. Established in 1935, it is one of Connecticut’s
oldest environmental organizations whose mission is to be a catalyst-- bringing
people together and supporting organizations to conserve and enhance the
county’s natural environment. Rockfall awards grants each year to
organizations, schools and municipalities, and continues to hold and manage
open space property in the county.
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