The Harris Center for Conservation Education has announced the 2025 recipients of its Environmental Leadership Scholarship Award. The $2,500 scholarships are awarded annually to two graduating seniors who have shown a commitment to environmental issues and a desire to make a difference in their communities.
This year’s recipients are Amanda Bergeron of ConVal Regional High School and Izabelle Rollins of Conant High School. Awards were presented during each school’s awards ceremony — ConVal on June 11 and Conant on June 12.
The scholarships are made possible through an anonymous donor.
Bergeron plans to major in environmental studies at Wheaton College. She began volunteering at the Harris Center in 2019 and later worked as an assistant counselor, leading hikes and teaching children about nature.
“It was a rewarding experience helping the kids understand that they had to be kind to nature,” she stated.
Bergeron also participated in a field research trip to Belize with Ecology Project International.
ConVal counselor Rebecca Dunn stated Bergeron “is a deep thinker, a talented writer and someone who naturally brings positivity and connection to those around her.”
Rollins will attend the University of Rhode Island to study political science and public administration. She has supported civic and environmental initiatives, including a warrant article in Jaffrey for a new water treatment facility.
“We only get one Earth,” she wrote. “So we must take care of it the best we can.”
She has led cleanups and service events and served as president of the National Honor Society. Adviser Amanda Dibble said Rollins “models not only high standards for community service but is a leader and encourages others to become involved.”