River Edge Scholar Wins Ron
Vellekamp Scholarship
Keith Brunner set to attend University of Vermont in
September
By
Hugh M. Carola
In addition to being an excellent scholar (his entire senior year class schedule was comprised of Honors and Advance Placement courses), Brunner is also an accomplished athlete who participated in both varsity track and football. Needless to say, he also presented a wealth of environmental concern and expertise in his application. From birding to participating in numerous river cleanups to conducting environmental education programs at summer camp and more, Keith proved that he was just the person we were looking for. On June 5, Captain Bill Sheehan congratulated him personally and presented his $1000 scholarship at the High School's 2006 Awards Dinner. As in past years, the scholarship money is unrestricted and can be used in any way the student sees fit during his/her first year at college. In addition to being a graduate of River Dell High, it turns out that Brunner is also a "graduate" of a different sort: "You probably don't remember me but I came on an Eco-Cruise back when I was in Cub Scouts," he said upon meeting the Captain. "I didn't know what to say," explained Captain Bill, a man who is rarely, if ever, tongue-tied. "I was proud and happy to have played some small role in helping Keith become a young man who cares deeply about the future of our planet and who wants to do something about it." This September, Keith Brunner will be attending classes at the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont in Burlington. All of us at Hackensack Riverkeeper wish him the best of luck and continued success. The Ron Vellekamp Memorial Scholarship was founded by friends and family of the late Mr. Vellekamp, a former Trustee of Hackensack Riverkeeper who was a dedicated teacher, Scout leader and park ranger. |
Once again it wasn't easy. Once again we received another
set of stellar applications for our Ron Vellekamp Memorial Scholarship. But
once again we chose a deserving winner. Mr. Keith Brunner, who graduated this
spring from River Dell Regional High School, was the one whose application
edged out the others.