Local BCHS student receives the Wendy Repass Suozzo Memorial Award Scholarship
July 10, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michelle Moczulski awarded the 2020 Wendy Repass Suozzo Memorial Award Scholarship.
Delmar, NY – Friends of Five Rivers (FFR) announced the winner of the 2020 Wendy Repass Suozzo Memorial Award Scholarship. Michelle Moczulski, a recent graduate of Bethlehem Central High School (BCHS) won an award of $2,000. Michelle plans to attend Villanova University in the fall, majoring in Environmental Science.
The Memorial Award is granted each year to a graduating senior at Bethlehem Central High School (BCHS) who will be attending college for environmental studies or a closely related field such as biology, chemistry, geology, or environmental law. Applicants are evaluated based on interest and commitment to the environment as demonstrated by involvement with environmental education, volunteering and helping environmental organizations achieve their missions.
“Michelle was one of several applicants, all of whom were very good and deserving candidates,” said Stephanie Maes, Chair of the Education Committee for the FFR Board. “However, we had to make a tough decision. Michelle is an exceptional person as an honor student all four years of high school. Her academic achievements and awards in science and math and a clear passion and commitment to environmental education and community service stood out to the committee. For three years she was a volunteer tour guide at Pine Hollow Arboretum, advocated for environmental legislation as part of her involvement with the New York Youth Climate Leaders and currently works at Catskill Mountainkeeper.” said Maes.
“I congratulate Michelle and applaud all the applicants, each of whom demonstrated leadership and a commitment to environmental education and environmental issues and all serve as a testament to the memory of Wendy Repass Suozzo,” said Board President Randal Coburn. “I also wish to thank Stephanie for leading the effort for reviewing applications and selecting this year’s scholarship awardee. The value of her work and that of the other members of the committee cannot be overstated.” Special thanks to Jessica Westervelt, Spanish teacher at BCHS, for her assistance throughout the process as well,” said Coburn.
The Wendy Repass Suozzo Memorial Award Scholarship was created by the Repass Suozzo family in memory of the beloved Wendy Repass Suozzo. Wendy was a lifelong educator with a deep and heartfelt passion for nature. She was known for her compassionate spirit, cheerful attitude and for the positive impact she had on all those whose lives she touched.
Wendy’s love of nature led her to a long and productive career as an environmental educator at Cape Cod (MA) National Seashore, Sharon (CT) Audubon Center, Capital Region (NY) BOCES, and Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. Most recently, as a program coordinator for the Friends of Five Rivers, Wendy shared that love of nature with children and adults alike. Devoting tremendous energy and displaying her skill as a fine teacher, she inspired her students to wonder at the mysteries to be found all around them. Wendy’s dedication and respect for the natural world serves as a worthy model for all of us.
Friends of Five Rivers is a not-for-profit based in Delmar, NY at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. For over 48 years, Friends of Five Rivers reaches over 5,000 students, per year, with its Guided School Program; an environmental education outdoor classroom. Students actively engaged in the scientific method while exploring wildlife in stream, field, pond and forest habitats.
Learn more about Friends of Five Rivers by visiting www.FriendsofFiveRivers.org.
Michelle Moczulski awarded the 2020 Wendy Repass Suozzo Memorial Award Scholarship.
Delmar, NY – Friends of Five Rivers (FFR) announced the winner of the 2020 Wendy Repass Suozzo Memorial Award Scholarship. Michelle Moczulski, a recent graduate of Bethlehem Central High School (BCHS) won an award of $2,000. Michelle plans to attend Villanova University in the fall, majoring in Environmental Science.
The Memorial Award is granted each year to a graduating senior at Bethlehem Central High School (BCHS) who will be attending college for environmental studies or a closely related field such as biology, chemistry, geology, or environmental law. Applicants are evaluated based on interest and commitment to the environment as demonstrated by involvement with environmental education, volunteering and helping environmental organizations achieve their missions.
“Michelle was one of several applicants, all of whom were very good and deserving candidates,” said Stephanie Maes, Chair of the Education Committee for the FFR Board. “However, we had to make a tough decision. Michelle is an exceptional person as an honor student all four years of high school. Her academic achievements and awards in science and math and a clear passion and commitment to environmental education and community service stood out to the committee. For three years she was a volunteer tour guide at Pine Hollow Arboretum, advocated for environmental legislation as part of her involvement with the New York Youth Climate Leaders and currently works at Catskill Mountainkeeper.” said Maes.
“I congratulate Michelle and applaud all the applicants, each of whom demonstrated leadership and a commitment to environmental education and environmental issues and all serve as a testament to the memory of Wendy Repass Suozzo,” said Board President Randal Coburn. “I also wish to thank Stephanie for leading the effort for reviewing applications and selecting this year’s scholarship awardee. The value of her work and that of the other members of the committee cannot be overstated.” Special thanks to Jessica Westervelt, Spanish teacher at BCHS, for her assistance throughout the process as well,” said Coburn.
The Wendy Repass Suozzo Memorial Award Scholarship was created by the Repass Suozzo family in memory of the beloved Wendy Repass Suozzo. Wendy was a lifelong educator with a deep and heartfelt passion for nature. She was known for her compassionate spirit, cheerful attitude and for the positive impact she had on all those whose lives she touched.
Wendy’s love of nature led her to a long and productive career as an environmental educator at Cape Cod (MA) National Seashore, Sharon (CT) Audubon Center, Capital Region (NY) BOCES, and Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. Most recently, as a program coordinator for the Friends of Five Rivers, Wendy shared that love of nature with children and adults alike. Devoting tremendous energy and displaying her skill as a fine teacher, she inspired her students to wonder at the mysteries to be found all around them. Wendy’s dedication and respect for the natural world serves as a worthy model for all of us.
Friends of Five Rivers is a not-for-profit based in Delmar, NY at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. For over 48 years, Friends of Five Rivers reaches over 5,000 students, per year, with its Guided School Program; an environmental education outdoor classroom. Students actively engaged in the scientific method while exploring wildlife in stream, field, pond and forest habitats.
Learn more about Friends of Five Rivers by visiting www.FriendsofFiveRivers.org.
Contact:
Carolyn Dunn, Development and Outreach
devfriends5rivers@outlook.com, (518) 475-0295
