Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders, One Scholarship at a Time

2025 Scholarships Awarded to Rising Environmental Leaders

We’re excited to announce this year’s recipients of the Harris Center’s Environmental Leadership Award. Each spring, we award $2,500 scholarships to two graduating high school seniors who are passionate about the natural world and dedicated to making a difference — and this year’s honorees are no exception.

Amanda Bergeron of ConVal Regional High School and Izabelle Rollins of Conant High School impressed us with their commitment to environmental action, whether through hands-on conservation, community service, or advocacy for cleaner, greener towns. They received their awards during their schools’ year-end ceremonies — ConVal on June 11 and Conant on June 12 — in recognition of their inspiring efforts to protect the planet and lead with purpose.

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, we’re able to support young leaders like Amanda and Izabelle as they take their next steps into the world of environmental stewardship. Read on to learn more about these inspiring young change-makers and their plans for the future.

Amanda Bergeron

Amanda plans to major in Environmental Studies at Wheaton College. She began volunteering at the Harris Center as a summer camp assistant in 2019 and in 2023 transitioned into a paid position as assistant counselor. There, she led hikes and outdoor activities, and taught young children about the natural world. “I absolutely loved it,” she says, reflecting on her work at the Harris Center. “It was a rewarding experience helping the kids understand that they had to be kind to nature.” In her junior year, Amanda’s passion for the environment was deepened during a transformative trip to Belize with Ecology Project International, where she helped remove trash from the barrier reef and assisted with field research on bats in the rainforest.

ConVal School Counselor Rebecca Dunn says that Amanda “is a deep thinker, a talented writer, and someone who naturally brings positivity and connection to those around her.” Whether through education, writing, or direct conservation work, Amanda hopes to dedicate her life to making a positive environmental impact.

Izabelle Rollins

Izabelle will be attending the University of Rhode Island in the fall, where she plans to double major in Political Science and Public Administration. Deeply committed to civic engagement and environmental advocacy, Izabelle has taken an active role in her community, most recently supporting a town warrant article in Jaffrey to fund a new water treatment facility to address PFAS contamination. “We only get one Earth,” she writes. “So we must take care of it the best we can.”

A dedicated volunteer and leader, she has participated in trash cleanups, led service events through the National Honor Society, and served as NHS president during her senior year. Her advisor, Amanda Dibble, says Izabelle “models not only high standards for community service, but is a leader and encourages others to become involved.” Whether addressing environmental challenges through public policy or mobilizing others for community service, Izabelle hopes to build a future rooted in service, sustainability, and environmental advocacy.

The Harris Center is pleased to offer these two young students the Environmental Leadership Scholarship Awards to help facilitate their college careers and pursue their dreams of creating positive change in our world and our environment.