Scholarships Awarded to Rising Environmental Leaders
The Harris Center is proud to present our 2021 Environmental Leadership Awards to two exemplary graduating high school seniors who have a demonstrated passion for the natural world, a strong commitment to environmental issues, and the capacity to create positive change in their community and beyond — Erin Weidner of Conant High School and Aria Frehner of ConVal High School. Each award comes with a $2,500 scholarship, made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor who believes deeply in the power of young people to create positive environmental change.
Erin Weidner of Rindge plans to attend the University of Vermont, with a major in history and a minor in environmental science.
Aria Frehner of Hancock is the ConVal National Honor Society president and an avid beekeeper, who plans to major in environmental studies and dance at Mount Holyoke College.
Erin Weidner of Rindge plans to attend the University of Vermont. She has a great appreciation for the outdoors and plans to major in history on a pre-law track, with a minor in environmental science so that “I can fight for something that I’m passionate about.” Anne-Marie Osheyack, Erin’s science teacher, said, “Erin was a stellar AP and Honors student, a creative thinker, passionate about the environment, and I see her as being a genuine world changer.”
Aria Frehner of Hancock is the ConVal National Honor Society president and an avid beekeeper, who plans to major in environmental studies and dance at Mount Holyoke College. Aria says bees “pollinate about 80% of all flowering plants on earth and are essential to maintaining biodiversity. I care about protecting the planet that is our life force. I care enough to dedicate my life to it.”
The Harris Center is delighted to help these worthy local students pursue their dreams. Congrats to Erin and Aria! You give us great hope for the future.
