On June 11, 2026 the Christina Conservancy Board of Directors awarded Domenic D’Aiuto the 2026 Edward W. Cooch, Jr. Environmental Scholarship.
Domenic D’Aiuto is a graduate of Newark Charter School in Newark, DE and is planning to attend the University of Delaware and pursue a degree in Civic Leadership and Public Policy with a concentration in Environmental Policy. Domenic is a multi-faceted, driven and smart individual with a passion for the environment. Domenic’s environmental passion comes through in the work he has done with the Youth Environmental Summit (YES) and Plastic Free Delaware. Through his drive to advocate for the environment and his leadership skills Domenic engaged in a leadership role in YES. Through his work with YES, Domenic connected with Plastic Free Delaware and has taken a leadership role to help reduce plastic pollution in Delaware. Domenic states in his essay, “volunteering and leading as a youth advocate taught me that I can make an impact and step out of typical roles, even at my age/position, and I plan to continue this in my future, making my impact known early on as influence and academic degrees are not mutually exclusive.”
Through Domenic’s recommendations it is evident that he is a multi-faceted, driven individual. Domenic has served as a leader (class president), excels academically and demonstrates a positive energy and enthusiasm. Domenic is also an athlete, serving as captain of the Cross Country team and on the lacrosse team while also a first-chair trombonist. It is clear from his references that he is encouraging and willing to listen to other’s opinions and insights and is a kind and thoughtful person that has authentic leadership and genuine compassion, grounded in an unwavering sense of integrity.
Please join us in recognizing Domenic D’Aiuto and honoring Edward W. Cooch, Jr. who was an avid environmentalist with a deep passion for the natural lands and water resources of the State of Delaware.
Each year starting in 2012 this scholarship is awarded to a student recognized by the scholarship committee who demonstrates the ideals that Ned Cooch carried out in his daily life. For more information on the scholarship, and past scholarship participants see http://www.christinaconservancy.org/scholarship/edward-w-cooch-jr-scholarship/.
To donate to the scholarship fund contact the ChristinaConservancyInc@gmail.com.
