Ron Vellekamp Scholarship Accepting Applications

Hackensack Riverkeeper seeks the best, brightest and most environmentally committed

 

Applications are now being accepted for the 2004 Ron Vellekamp Environmental Scholarship. Celebrating its fourth year, the program was created to support college-bound seniors with excellent grades and a strong commitment to the environment.

 

Every high school guidance department in the Hackensack River watershed (which lies in parts of three counties: Rockland in New York, Bergen and Hudson in New Jersey) has been contacted and are invited to nominate one of their students for the scholarship.

 

Guidance counselors or faculty advisors can submit an application on behalf of any student they feel is worthy of consideration. A panel that includes HRI staff members and trustees will review the merits of each applicant, focusing on academic achievements, environmental extra-curricular activities and future plans. The $1,000 scholarship can be used for the purchase of books or other educational materials during the student’s first year in college.

 

Application criteria are available by calling Hugh at 201-968-0808 or by visiting our website at www.HackensackRiverkeeper.org. Applications must be postmarked no later than Earth Day, April 22, and the winner will be announced on June 1.

 

The 2003 Ron Vellekamp Scholarship winner was Sonia D’Angio from Cliffside Park High School. Sonia, who is also an alumnus of the Governor’s School of the Environment, is currently majoring in biology at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

 

The Ron Vellekamp Scholarship is supported by generous donations from friends and family of the late Mr. Vellekamp of Tenafly, NJ, who was a well-respected teacher at Ridgefield Jr./Sr. High School, a much-loved Boy Scout leader for many years, and a dedicated trustee of Hackensack Riverkeeper.

 

“I know that Ron would be proud of the scholars we’ve chosen so far,” said Capt. Bill. “I’m also sure he’d be happy to know that we will always endeavor to support those students who share his commitment to environmental protection. It is a most fitting memorial.”