The Ohio Academy of Science

1500 West Third Avenue Suite 223 • Columbus OH 43212-2817

Phone or FAX 1-614-488-2228 • Outside 614 Toll Free, if needed, 1-800-OHIOSCI

Email oas@iwaynet.net • Website: http://www.OHIOSCI.org

CONTACT: L.E. Elfner

1-614-488-2228

First Environmental Scholarship Awardees Chosen by Ohio EPA

Columbus (July 26, 2000). Seventeen students have been chosen to receive the first scholarships offered for environmental science and engineering students at Ohio state-supported colleges and universities by Ohio EPA's Environmental Education Fund in cooperation with The Ohio Academy of Science.

"I would like to congratulate the first recipients of these scholarships," said Ohio EPA Director Christopher Jones. "This program is a good way to reward outstanding students who we hope will make significant contributions to the field of environmental science after graduation."

Administered by The Ohio Academy of Science, this new scholarship program was created to encourage studies in environmental science and engineering, provide additional motivation for students to enter the field of environmental protection, and award merit-based scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students to further their education and enhance their employability in environmental fields. A maximum of $50,000 is available each year for the three-year pilot program.

The Ohio Academy of Science received 28 applications for this year's scholarships. Of this year's 17 recipients, 13 students are from four-year colleges and four are from two-year colleges. Four-year college students receiving a $2,500 scholarship for the 2000-2001 school year include:

· Shawn Bleiler, Cleveland State University, from Timberlake, Ohio;

· Hannah Boone, Miami University, from Fredericktown, Ohio;

· Jared Bowman, Kent State University, from Brimfield, Ohio;

· Lorena Brown, Ohio University, from Navarre, Ohio;

· Brian Dunn, Miami University, from Cincinnati, Ohio;

· Edward Gazdik, Shawnee State University, from St. Clairsville, Ohio;

· Joseph Gregory, Kent State University, from Mentor, Ohio;

· Tanna Holtrey, Ohio State University, from West Palm Beach, Fla.;

· Clinton Hughes, Wright State University, from Fairborn, Ohio;

· Lesley Knoll, Miami University, from Eaton, Ohio;

· Patrick Miller, Bowling Green State University, Hartville, Ohio;

· Tamekia Taylor, Central State University, from Muskegon Heights, Mi.; and

· Brent Walters, Ohio State University, from Amherst, Ohio.

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First Environmental Scholarship Awardees Chosen by Ohio EPA

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July 26, 2000

Two-year college students receiving a $1,500 scholarship for the 2000-2001 school year include:

· Ryan Bisson, Lorain County Community College, from Avon Lake, Ohio;

· Clinton Finney, Ohio State University - Agricultural Technical Institute, from Rayland, Ohio;

· Patricia Kapperman, Owens Community College, from Toledo, Ohio; and

· Laura Stonerock, Muskingum Area Technical College, from Dresden, Ohio.

Students were selected to receive scholarships based on the following criteria:

· an academic record with at least an overall GPA of 3.0;

· original research, scholarship, employment, volunteering, or other unique contributions to environmental science or environmental engineering;

· activity in nonathletic extra-curricular activities and organizations;

· ability to communicate;

· recommendations from education and environmental professionals; and

· a major in environmental science or environmental engineering.

For the next two school years, the program will award up to 12 university scholarships each valued at no more than $2,500, and up to 12 community and technical college scholarships each valued at no more than $1,250. Consideration will be given to both full-time and part-time students.

The Ohio Environmental Education Fund receives its money from one-half of the civil penalties collected by the Agency for air and water pollution control violations. Additional information about the scholarship program is available by calling the Ohio Environmental Education Fund at (614) 644-2873 or visiting their Web site at www.epa.state.oh.us/other/oeemain.html; or calling the Ohio Academy of Science at (614) 488- 2228 or visiting their Web page at www.OHIOSCI.org.

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Further information is available from:

Heidi Griesmer

(614) 644-2160

The Ohio EPA

PUBLIC INTEREST CENTER

P.O. Box 1049, 122 South Front Street

Columbus, OH 43216-1049

Tele: (614) 644-2160 Fax: (614) 644-2737

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