Congratulations to Caitlyn Zeller!

On June 14th the Christina Conservancy Board of Directors awarded the 2022 Edward W. Cooch, Jr. Environmental Scholarship to Caitlyn Zeller. Zeller is a senior at Middletown High School in Middletown, DE and will attend the University of Delaware to study Environmental Engineering.

Zeller has an outstanding academic record and has engaged in environmentally-focused coursework, summer-work and volunteer activities. Academically, Zeller enrolled in the Natural Resources Career Pathway and through her involvement has earned a certification in Ecology Conservation and Management through Ducks Unlimited. Additionally, she pursued AP Environmental Science while also serving as a leader in the pathways program. She competed in Delaware Envirothon and is an active member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and competed in the Environmental and Natural Resources Career Development Event at the state, regional and national levels. During two consecutive summers, Zeller worked with Delaware State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) where she continued to deepen her environmental knowledge and awareness. Zeller’s volunteer activities included participation in FFA’s Adopt-A-Highway Program, tree plantings, the Delaware State Fair and a variety of activities related to improving Delaware’s natural resources. Through all her coursework and activities, it is clear that Caitlyn will be well-suited to achieve her goal of solving real world environmental problems.

Please join us in recognizing Caitlyn Zeller 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 $1,500 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, Caitlyn’s award, 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.

2022 Scholarship Guidelines

The Edward W. Cooch, Jr. Environmental Scholarship fund was established to honor the late Edward W. Cooch, Jr. (1920-2010).  “Ned”, as many knew him, was an avid environmentalist with a deep passion for the natural lands and water resources of the State of Delaware.  He was a founder of the Christina Conservancy, one of the driving forces for the Christina River Watershed Cleanup, and an active member of the Delaware community who demonstrated a deep commitment to the natural environment.

This $1,500 scholarship will be awarded to one Delaware resident selected by the scholarship committee who demonstrates the ideals that Ned Cooch carried out in his daily life.  Applications are due by Friday, April 15, 2022. Notification of the winner will take place by the end of May and the Scholarship will be awarded in June 2022. Click here for full scholarship guidelines and application instructions.