Eden awards Green STEM scholarships to local students
Eden’s 2020 Green STEM Scholarship recipients (L-R): Jack Holmes of Duanesburg High School in the Town of Duanesburg; Emily Smith of Maple Hill Junior-Senior High School in the Town of Schodack; and Madison Houser of Fonda-Fultonville High School in the Town of Glen.
Troy, New York - Eden has awarded $5,000 in Green STEM Scholarships to three local students: Jack Holmes from Duanesburg High School, Madison Houser from Fonda-Fultonville High School, and Emily Smith from Maple Hill Junior-Senior High School. Each student receives $2,000, $2,000, and $1,000 respectively, towards funding their college education.
Eden’s Green STEM Scholarship Program was established to support students' interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in fields that benefit the environment, linking to Eden’s community solar projects in each town. The first such scholarship was awarded in 2019 to Mariella Hirschoff of Maple Hill Junior-Senior High School.
The community solar projects linked to the scholarships, Oak Hill Farm I & II in Duanesburg, Van Epps & Mohawk View in the Town of Glen, and Elmbrook in Schodack, are due to break ground in the coming months, subject to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each site will have a capacity of approximately 7.5MWp to generate enough green electricity to power about 1,225 homes for up to 40 years, after which the solar panels can be completely dismantled and removed with minimal impact on the land. Each site will provide a pollinator-friendly habitat, enabling the local pollinator population to thrive and support local agriculture.
Eden’s Chief Development Officer Giovanni Maruca said, “We are impressed with what Jack, Madison, and Emily have accomplished in their lives so far. We admire their hard work in school and commitment to making the world a better place. We hope the scholarships will help them achieve academic success in college and prepare them for careers as green professionals.”
Jack Holmes, 18, of Delanson, NY, will be attending the University of Vermont, majoring in Mechanical Engineering to enhance his innovation skills and create solutions that lessen human impact on the environment. While at Duanesburg High School, he was involved in several athletic teams, was a member of the National Honors Society, and volunteered at the local fire department.
Duanesburg High School Principal Jodi Marvin said, “As a school district, Duanesburg Central School is so incredibly proud of Jack Holmes and his accomplishments. We know Jack will continue to make a positive impact.”
Madison Houser, 17, of Fultonville, NY, will be attending Union College to study Biochemistry, which was inspired by her biology and chemistry teachers, and hopes to apply it to help solve the world’s environmental health problems. While at Fonda-Fultonville High School, she was a member of eight clubs, served as Class Treasurer for four years, and was treasurer of the Cheerleading team.
Fonda-Fultonville High School Principal Aaron Grady said, “We are extremely proud of Madison and the young lady she has become while here at FFCS. Her dedication, ability to persevere, and collaborative abilities will aid in her growth as she advances to the next stage of her academic life. Eden Renewables investment in her will prove to be a benefit for all. Once again, congratulations to Madison and all other award recipients. I'm sure they will represent each of their communities with honor.”
Emily Smith, 18, of Castleton-on-Hudson, NY, will be attending Hope College with a double major in Mathematics and Environmental Science. She is active in the community promoting environmental conservation and protection, exploring the Adirondacks to learn about biodiversity, and volunteering at Camp Fowler in Speculator, NY, to teach young children about sustainability. Last year, she repurposed 3,000 single-use plastic shopping bags into sleeping mats which she donated to a local homeless shelter, preventing plastics from entering landfills and oceans.
Maple Hill Junior-Senior High School Principal Jacqueline Hill said, “Our partnership with Eden Renewables allows students to gain hands-on experience and exposure to the field of renewable energy. The scholarship winner this year, Emily Smith, is committed to studying environmental sciences next year. She is a student who has demonstrated a genuine desire to get involved and make a difference. We are proud of her and wish her continued success next year at Hope College. Thank you to Eden Renewables for your continued support.”
Scholarship recipients were selected on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, and statement of goals and aspirations. Each recipient was presented with the scholarship at each school’s “Awards Night” or graduation ceremony.
The Green STEM Scholarship is a component of a package of educational support Eden offers at each of its community solar farms. Its sister program, Solar Power Education, provides students the chance to learn beyond school grounds and gain knowledge and ‘hands-on’ and ‘minds-on’ experiences in STEM subjects. This program, designed for K-12 and meeting current New York State education standards, is offered throughout the year to supplement curriculums in a variety of subjects including Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, and English.