Hernando Audubon Society
2024 Environmental Scholarship
The Hernando Audubon Society is pleased to offer the Stephen B. Fickett, Jr., Environmental Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship is open to qualified high school seniors as well as students at Pasco/Hernando State College who are interested in pursuing a career in the environmental sciences. Students must reside within the zip codes of the Hernando Audubon territory which includes all of Hernando County and portions of southern Sumter County. In general terms, this includes the town Bushnell and surrounding community. Students who have previously participated in Science/Conservation/Environmental clubs or other related activities are encouraged to apply. The scholarship will be presented to the successful candidate at the April 25, 2024, meeting of Hernando Audubon.
Applications should include all items listed below:
A transcript documenting a minimum of a 3.0 GPA (A high grade-point average is not the primary criteria that will be used to make selection award.)
College or university the student plans to attend
Intended field of study (major)
A resume indicating academic achievements and listing of extracurricular activities
A 500-word essay describing: My Personal Goals and Ambitions to Help Protect Florida’s Natural Environment
Applications may be submitted by U. S. mail or email to:
Hernando Audubon Scholarship Committee
Attention: Tom St. Clair
4217 Lordings Lane
Weeki Wachee, FL 34607
email: tomstclair8@gmail.com
Applications must be postmarked or be received by email no later than April 12, 2024.
Questions regarding this scholarship opportunity should be directed to Tom St. Clair at tomstclair8@gmail.com or by phone at (904) 303-0919.
2023 Scholarship Recipient
Abigail Sallings is an honor senior at Springstead High School. This past year Abigail served as President of the Coastal Club where she helped organize and lead numerous environmental events and activities, including the formation of a coastal club at Challenger K8. She is a member of the National Honor Society. She tutors younger students in math and science. At the recent Springstead High School awards ceremony, Abigail was recognized as the outstanding senior in science. Abigail plans to attend the University of Florida in the fall of 2023, majoring in biology.
2022 Scholarship Recipient
Liel Shachr is in the top ten of her graduating class at Weeki Wachee High School, and has earned over 60 hours of college credits through AP and dual enrollment classes. She revitalized and became president of the high school Environmental Club. She started a student-run recycling program and raised money for school gardening and tree planting. She implemented a series of green practices allowing her high school to become a Florida Designated Green School. She taught elementary students at Springs Coast Environmental Education Center. She plans to attend the University of Florida, majoring in biology/environmental sciences.
2021 Scholarship Recipient
Rayaan Kader is a student at Springstead High School, but is also currently dual enrolled at Pasco Hernando State College and the University of Florida. He has maintained a 4.0 average at PHSC and the University of Florida. He plans to attend the University of South Florida in the fall and major in biology/environmental sciences. He included in his application package a paper he authored titled “Investigating the effects of differing concentrations of ammonium nitrate and sodium triphosphate on lake water.” Ryaan has participated in track and cross country for four years, and has volunteered at St Vincent De Paul where he has over 100 volunteer hours.