Starting in 2012, The Friends of Green Cay Nature Center, Inc. has awarded a one-time Environmental Scholarship to high school seniors intending to study any of the environmental sciences.
The Scholarship Committee consists of three former educators. It is a rigorous process. Students must show proof of acceptance to an accredited four year college or university, provide transcripts, demonstrate community service hours, obtain two letters of recommendation, and answer two essay questions, what do you think is the most important environmental issue facing us today and why, and has volunteer service made a meaningful impact in your life and education.
This year, scholarships were awarded to four winners. Each student will have $4,000 applied to their school accounts.
The 2021 winners:
David Baldwin went to South Plantation High School and will be attending Florida Atlantic University/Wilkes Honors College – Flagler Scholar to major in Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering and Neuroscience. Research intern at Florida Atlantic University – examining the biology of aggressive exotic, invasive plants leading to his studies of managing invasive fauna and their impact on climate change. David also is interested in chemical cycles and air pollution and neurological health effects on underserved communities.
Sophie Eldridge went to Boca Raton Community High School – Salutatorian and will be attending Wake Forest University to major in Environmental Science/Sustainable Studies. Cambridge Scholar Award; AP Scholar with Distinction; Docent at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens; Founder of Boca Raton High School Environmental Club; Member of Science National Honor Society. Sophie intends her education to lead her to promote a sustainable future.
Casey Hudspeth went to Florida Atlantic University High School – Dual enrolled in Florida Atlantic University and will be attending Florida Atlantic University to major in Biological Sciences. National Merit Finalist. Volunteer at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Conducted research in the Galapagos Islands on the endemic Galapagos sea lions. Peer reviewed author in a scientific journal. Casey looks forward to continuing her education to pursue a career in ecology, conservation, and rehabilitation.
Jazmin Lopez went to Glades Central Community High School – Dual enrolled in Palm Beach State College and will be attending Florida State University to major in Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources. Recognized as a Borlaug Scholar by the World Food Prize Foundation and University of Florida. Member of Future Farmers of America; Florida Youth Institute for 2020. Jazmin will pursue a career to help farmers sustainably produce food while protecting the environment leading to lessening the food insecurity of many.
Green Cay Nature Center is operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department and is located at 12800 Hagen Ranch Road, west of Boynton Beach. For more information on Green Cay Nature Center and other county-operated nature centers, visit
www.pbcnature.com.
The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, recognized nationally for excellence in park and recreation management, operates more than 110 parks and recreational facilities and provides organized recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities. Visit
www.pbcparks.com for more information.
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