Left to right: Joanne Rufft, Pete Mujica(father), Tina Mujica,
Mujica (sister),(mother)
On June 6, 2013, the Christina Conservancy Board, members of the Christina River Cleanup Committee, members of the Cooch family, and others celebrated the awarding of the 2013 Edward W. (Ned) Cooch, Jr. Environmental Scholarship to Kristina (Tina) Mujica, of Smyrna, Delaware.
Link to PDF version of news release
Joanne Rufft, board member and chairman of the Scholarship Committee said “Tina was selected as this year’s winner because of her commitment to the environment, her excellent community service, her plan to study Wildlife Biology at Unity College and her goal to eventually to work for the Environmental Protection Agency or a State Fisheries and Wildlife Division.” Tina earned a 3.97 grade point average out of a possible 4.0 at Smyrna High School. Tina has been actively involved in environmental causes through the years, e.g., Adopt a Highway, Delaware Coastal Cleanup, Beach Grass Planting, Annual Horseshoe Crab Count and by taking many science and environmental classes such as Oceanography and Ecology.
When accepting the $1,000 scholarship, Tina said, “Knowledge is true power when solving problems. I am honored to be receiving the Edward W. Cooch, Jr. Environmental Scholarship to help achieve the knowledge needed to help conserve the environment and solve the problems that plague our Earth.”
The celebration was graciously hosted by the Cooch Family at the historical Cooch residence at Cooch’s Bridge, on Old Baltimore Pike in Newark, Delaware. Cooch Family members attending were The Hon. Richard Cooch, son of the late Edward W. Cooch, Jr. and Delaware Superior Court Judge, Barbara Cooch, wife of Richard Cooch, and Nancy Cooch, widow of the late Edward W. Cooch, Jr. In his welcoming remarks, Richard Cooch told the gathering about the rich history of his home and Cooch’s Bridge, including the popularly held belief that the Betsy Ross American flag was first flown in battle at the Revolutionary War battle of Cooch’s Bridge in 1777. He spoke of his father Ned’s great passion for the environment and land preservation. His father preserved 200 acres around the family home including Cooch’s Bridge and the grist mill (Dayette Mill). Judge Cooch said, “Considering my father’s undying concern for the environment, this Edward W. Cooch, Jr. Environmental scholarship is a wonderful way to honor him and his accomplishments, not the least of which was the founding of the Christina Conservancy which is dedicated to preserving and protecting the Christina River.”
Eligibility
- Must be applying to a properly accredited junior college, college, or university for the fall semester 2012
- Must be a Delaware resident
- Must be a senior in a Delaware high school or returning veteran of the U.S. armed services
- Must have a grade point average of 3.0 or greater
- Must major in an environmental field of study
- Must demonstrate an interest in the environment (example: participate in cleanups, engage in school Eco-club projects, elect to take environmental classes)
Selection Criteria
- The recipient will have a strong interest in the natural environment and water resources and will have demonstrated this interest through engagement in the community in these areas.
- The recipient will clearly communicate academic and career goals as it relates to the natural environment and water resources.
- The scholarship will be awarded to a student with a grade point average of 3.0 or greater.
Interviews with Tina Mujica may be requested by contacting:
Anne Fitzgerald, Christina Conservancy Board Member, 302.544.2148
Email: Christinaconservancy@gmail.com
The Christina Conservancy was established in 1982 to improve the water quality and to protect the river’s natural and historic resources. The Christina Conservancy is an all volunteer membership organization (501(c) 3 operated by a board of directors of local citizens.