Hackensack Riverkeeper names scholarship winner

Cliffside Park senior is recipient of organization’s annual award

 

We are proud to announce that Cliffside Park High School graduating senior Sonia D’Angio is the winner of the Ron Vellekamp Environmental Scholarship.  Ms. D’Angio was selected from a strong field of applicants from schools across the Hackensack River watershed to receive the award that was renamed last year in honor of the late Mr. Vellekamp, a teacher, friend and Trustee of Hackensack Riverkeeper. “Sonia’s parents have much to be proud of,” said Capt. Bill.  “She has proven to all of us beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is a young woman with both intellect and commitment and we are proud to do our small part to help her as she begins her college career.”

Ms. D’Angio, who currently serves as the president of the high school’s environmental club, will receive her award letter and check for one thousand dollars in person from Capt. Bill and Program Director Hugh Carola at her school on June 11th. 

Capt. Bill noted that Sonia, who is an alumnus of the Governor’s School of the Environment, understands that “environmental protection is a community affair; it is something that can only succeed when people are engaged and empowered to care.”  Ms. D’Angio has been accepted to Rutgers University where she plans to major in Biology. Last year’s winner, Ms. Jacqueline Allalouf of Pearl River New York, is currently attending the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry located in Syracuse, NY.

“It was so difficult to choose one student from among such a fine field of applicants because they are all so deserving,” said Hugh who also served as the scholarship administrator.  “I’m certain that Sonia will succeed at Rutgers and I wouldn’t be surprised if she becomes the leader of a major environmental organization one day.”