F O R   I M M E D I A T E   R E L E A S E

Contact: Hugh M. Carola, Program Director

Hackensack, NJ – Captain Bill Sheehan, Executive Director of Hackensack Riverkeeper, the citizen-steward of the Hackensack River watershed announced today that applications were being accepted for the 2003 RON VELLEKAMP ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOLARSHIP. Formerly known as the Hackensack Riverkeeper Environmental Scholarship Award, the program was re-named last year in honor of the late Mr. Vellekamp of Tenafly, NJ who was an educator, Scout leader, and Riverkeeper Trustee.

"Last year, we lost a dear friend and tireless co-worker," said Capt. Sheehan, "Ron was the epitome of a dedicated teacher; he was dedicated to his students at Ridgefield Jr./ Sr. High School and to the recovery of the Hackensack River." The guidance departments of every high school in the watershed, which lies in parts of three counties (Rockland in New York; and Bergen and Hudson in New Jersey), have been contacted and are invited to nominate one of their students for the Scholarship.

The Scholarship consists of a $1000.00 grant that the recipient can use for the purchase of books or other educational materials during his or her first year in college. Applications can be submitted on behalf of the student by his or her faculty advisor or guidance counselor. A panel that includes Capt. Sheehan, several Trustees of Hackensack Riverkeeper and Program Director Hugh Carola will review each application. In deciding upon a winner, the panel will look at each applicant's academic achievements, environmental extra-curricular activities and future plans.

The 2002 Environmental Scholarship Award winner was Jacqueline Allalouf who graduated from Pearl River (NY) High School last June. Ms. Allalouf is currently enrolled at the State University of New York's College of Environmental Science and Forestry located in Syracuse, NY. "Jackie was chosen from an impressive field of candidates," said Mr. Carola, "It was a tough job but she shined the brightest."

Application criteria are available from Hackensack Riverkeeper by calling Hugh Carola at 201-968-0808 or by visiting their Website at: www.HackensackRiverkeeper.org. Applications must be postmarked no later than Earth Day, April 22, 2003. The winner will be announced on June 1st. "Ron probably wouldn't have wanted us to go to all the fuss of changing the name," said Capt. Sheehan, "but we do miss our friend and we look forward to carrying on in his memory."

2003 Criteria and Application Guidelines

Hackensack Riverkeeper is the leading environmental organization working on Hackensack River issues. Its mission is the protection, preservation and restoration of the Hackensack River watershed and its living resources.