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Maryland Department of the Environment

Department of the Environment selects Montgomery County student as recipient of 2015 Environmental Science Student Award and Internship Program

Media Contacts:

Jay Apperson or
Adrienne Diaczok
410-545-3003
jay.apperson@maryland.gov
adrienne.diaczok@maryland.gov

Department of the Environment selects Montgomery County student as recipient of 2015 Environmental Science Student Award and Internship Program

$750 in scholarship prizes awarded to students in Baltimore and Harford counties

BALTIMORE, MD (June 15, 2015) – The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has selected Josh Cocker of Gaithersburg as grand prize winner of the MDE 2015 Environmental Science Student Award and Internship Program. The recently graduated Poolsville High School student will receive a paid internship with MDE this summer.

The award recognizes high school seniors who have excelled in environmental science both inside and outside the classroom. Students selected have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and participation in environmental projects in school and their community. Joshua was chosen by the MDE judging panel for his leadership and work in creating a meditation and rain garden for the United Christ Church of Seneca Valley in Montgomery County.

MORE INFORMATION:

Two additional students were awarded scholarships for their environmental efforts. The second-place winner, Rebecca Gross from Franklin High School in Baltimore County, received $500 and the third-place winner, Rachel LeDonne from Bel Air High in Harford County, received $250 from MDE.

CORE FACTS:

o The award and internship program began in 2014 as a pilot project with three environmental magnet high schools in the Baltimore area.  In 2015 MDE opened the award and internship to all Maryland high school seniors.

o  The award recognizes high school seniors that have excelled in environmental science programs. Students that have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and participation in environmental projects in school or the community such as recycling drives, school beautification projects, stream or litter cleanups and other types of environmental projects are encouraged to apply.

o    The 2014 recipient of the Environmental Science Student Award was Sidney Mason of Western School of Technology and Environmental Science. Sidney was chosen by the MDE award panel judges because of his work as a Maryland Conservation Corps volunteer in Patapsco Valley State Park. Sidney assisted MDE with various projects over the course of the summer, including work on Maryland’s Zero Waste Plan.

QUOTES:

“Our future relies on the student environmental leaders of today. It is my hope that MDE’s Environmental Science Student Award and Internship Program will encourage those who are interested in science, technology, and engineering to continue their education and proactively participate in activities that support the environment. This internship program provides students with many opportunities to learn new skills and hone their strengths in a real world situation. We are excited to nurture the next generation of environmental scientists here at MDE.”

 – Ben Grumbles, Secretary, Maryland Department of the Environment

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

Environmental Science Student Award & Internship Information

MDE MISSION:

Our mission is to protect and restore the environment for the health and well-being of all Marylanders.

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