On June 12, the Delaware Highlands Conservancy awarded its annual Delaware Highlands Conservancy/Yeaman Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to Katie Krause, a 2013 graduate of Delaware Valley High School.

The scholarship has been awarded annually since 2004 to a student planning to pursue a field in environmental studies in college.

Katie will attend Pennsylvania State University in the fall, majoring in biology. She plans to continue her education by earning a master’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy from George Washington University, bringing her closer to her planned career at the National Institute of Health or the Environmental Protection Agency, where, as Katie explains, she can “work with the government to research, protect, and influence the future world, its people, and the environment so vital to the survival of all.”

Active in her school and community, Katie was an Officer in the Drama Club, the Vice President of her class in her junior year, and graduates now as the President of her class, where she acts as the Student Representative on the Delaware Valley School District Board.

She is a counselor for the Vacation Bible School held at St. Joseph’s Church and a volunteer from the student council in other community service activities including Pennies for Patients, Toys for Tots, Relay for Life, and in collecting and distributing food items to local food pantries.

Her interest in environmental studies began when she took Environmental Science and was intrigued and inspired, as she explains, “to make a difference in the world we depend so much upon."

Given in honor of the Conservancy’s founder, Barbara Yeaman, the scholarship is open to students in school districts bordering the Upper Delaware River in New York and Pennsylvania. The scholarship embodies Barbara’s vision and the dedication of our members to protect our special Upper Delaware River region now and for future generations.

To continue to inspire youth, encourage study and careers in natural science, and develop talent like Katie’s, contributions to the Conservancy are encouraged. People interested in supporting the scholarship fund and other environmental education and conservation activities can donate online at the Delaware Highlands Conservancy website or by mailing a contribution to PO Box 218, Hawley, PA 18428.

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy works in partnership with landowners and communities to protect the healthy lands and forests, clean waters, eagles and eagle habitat, locally sustainable economies, and quality of life in the Upper Delaware River region.

For more information on the Conservancy and how it connects people to the lands where they live, work, and play, visit the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, call 570-226-3164 or 845-583-1010, or send email to: info@delawarehighlands.org.

6/17/2013