Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT) has selected two local high school seniors to receive the fourth annual Environmental Leadership Award (ELA) for the 2016-2017 school year.
The scholarship supports youth leaders on Aquidneck Island who inspire our community by promoting land conservation and environmentalism through their continued efforts. From this year’s competitive applicant group, ALT has selected Matthew Carlone of Middletown High School and Tyler Blake of Rogers High School to receive awards.
“The impact that young students can have on a community is incredible,” said Chuck Allott, Executive Director of ALT. “The ELA is a great way to both inspire and reward high school seniors who show a life-long commitment to preserving our environment for future generations.” Allott personally awarded $500 scholarships to both winners at their respective high school awards ceremonies.
Matthew Carlone demonstrated a passion to protect Aquidneck Island’s ecology through his involvement in the Boy Scouts of America and an internship with Clean City Newport. Matthew plans to further his education next year by pursuing a degree in environmental engineering at The George Washington University.
Tyler Blake showed a great interest in ecology through his involvement in horticulture and fishing. His efforts to preserve Aquidneck Island’s natural landscapes are exemplified by his senior project, in which he organized students to pick up trash around Rogers High School, Morton Park, and other local areas.
The students were nominated for the awards by their high school teachers and guidance counselors. Details about the 2018 award will be posted to the ALT website next spring.