Scholarships

On Thursday, March 2^nd, Danielle Murawski of Oak Forest was presented with the 2017 Richard “Dick” McHugh Memorial Conservation Education Scholarship from the Will-South Cook Soil & Water Conservation District.

Danielle is the daughter of George and Sharry of Oak Forest.  Danielle was presented with the award during the SWCD’s Annual Recognition Dinner at the Peotone Atrium, Will County Fairgrounds.  Established in 2009, the $1000 scholarship is awarded each year in memory of Dick McHugh who served on the Will-South Cook SWCD Board for an amazing and unprecedented 50 years. Danielle’s name will be engraved on a plaque, commemorating the scholarship, on display in the SWCD office in New Lenox.

Danielle is a student at Oak Forest High School.  She plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University at Bourbonnais, Illinois in the fall where she will study Environmental Science. A member of the Oak Forest H.S. Ecology club, Danielle is also active in local prairie and forest preserve conservation activities. Danielle’s hobbies include drawing, bike riding, yoga and tennis. With a strong appreciation for the environment, Danielle’s future plans include a career protecting and restoring natural resources.

The SWCD is pleased to announce that Anna-Christina Crisman, the daughter of Jeffery and Katerina of New Lenox, will receive the Manrow Hameister Conservation Education Scholarship.  Mr. Hameister served as an Associate Director of the Will/South Cook SWCD until 1990 and as a Conservation Leader until the time of his passing October 12, 2015, he was instrumental in the success of the SWCD’s Annual Meeting and Pork Chop Dinner.

 Anna-Christina is a student at Lincoln-Way West in New Lenox.  She plans to attend Valparaiso University at Valparaiso, Indiana in the fall and will study biology.

Passionate about abating the pollution of our oceans, Anna-Christina hopes to become a marine biologist.  Her hobbies include playing the violin and piano, swimming and reading.

Madeline Poole, the daughter of Thomas and Susan of Chicago, will receive the 2016 Allan May Memorial Conservation Education Scholarship in memory Allan May who served as the Will-South Cook USDA-NRCS District Conservationist for 30 years.

 Madeline is a student at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences.  She plans to attend University of Illinois at Champaign, Illinois in the fall where she will study Agricultural and Biological Engineering. With concern for the conservation of soil and water resources, Madeline hopes to work in the field of soil fertility and advanced irrigation after graduating from college.  Abigail enjoys kayaking, hiking and reading.