Scholarship Recipients
2024 Scholarship Winner:
Benjamin Brol
Ben is a student at Finger Lakes Community College with plans to move on to a four year university. “My academic objective is to earn a Bachelor’s degree, specializing in Wildlife and Fisheries Management. During high school, I attended the CABOCES center, dedicating half of my school day to the Natural Resources program, which allowed me to obtain an additional diploma and several certifications including OSHA, CPR and NY State Logger training . This experience solidified my commitment to a career in conservation, prompting me to select a college that would equip me with the knowledge necessary to understand and protect natural environments for future generations and the wildlife inhabiting them.”
2023 Scholarship Winner:
Peter Colburn
Peter Colburn is a student at Alfred University pursuing a degree in Environmental Science then a career as an Environmental Conservation Officer. “Once obtaining this degree, along with the hard work and determination I know is required, I will hopefully go on to protect the environment of New York that Paul and Janice Keesler held so dear.”
2023 Scholarship Winner:
Peyton Hoffman
Peyton Hoffman is a student at Paul Smith’s College pursuing a degree in Natural Resource Management and then a career as an Environmental Conservation Officer. “At Paul Smith’s College, I am excited to be given the opportunity to learn in a place where I thrive and will develop the skills needed to preserve and protect what I treasure most. I am a fierce advocate for nature because I can’t live without it.
2023 Scholarship Winner:
Lilo Starr
Lilo Starr is a student at SUNY Morrisville pursuing a degree in Environmental and Natural Resource management. She has recently completed an internship at the Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center as a camp counselor for their summer day camp for children 3 – 11 years old. “It was absolutely a wonderful experience teaching children different things about nature, medicinal herbs and plants, invasive species, as well as how the wetlands and the natural environment around them is so unique and special.”
Josiah Palumbo
Josiah is majoring in Environmental and Natural Resources Management at SUNY Morrisville. “This degree earned at Morrisville will be the foundation to pursue a career as a NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Officer. I have been on the consumption aspect of natural resources all my life growing up. Always hunting, fishing, or helping others to hunt and fish. I have had such enjoyment and gained such beautiful life experiences. If I want future generations to be able to experience this, giving back and helping to protect it is the way to ensure that.” In addition to many other accomplishments, Josiah became the youngest licensed New York State hunting and fishing guide in 2017.
2020 Scholarship Winner:
Andrew LaRock
Andrew LaRock is majoring in Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation at SUNY Morrisville.“I learned skills such as fishing and hunting which led to a deep appreciation, passion and love for the outdoors. My plan is to become a forester so I can put my passion towards a positive outcome and enjoyment for all.” Along with many other endeavors, Andrew is an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow, the Boy Scouts National Honor Society.
2019 Scholarship Winner:
Bradley Britt
Bradley Britt is majoring in Wildlife Management at SUNY Cobleskill. “It is a great honor to receive this scholarship in memory of two highly respected New York Sportsmen,” he said. Bradley has decided on the field of fisheries and wildlife biology through his experiences over the past two summers volunteering for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lower Great Lakes and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in various facets.
2019 Scholarship Winner:
Griffin Williams
Griffin Williams is majoring in Natural Resource Conservation Management at Paul Smith’s College. Griffin initially had an interest in environmental law enforcement but has also developed a passion and found a need for environmental law and policy.
2013 Scholarship Winner:
Sierra Gorman
Cierra is a freshman at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. She is majoring in sustainable energy management and believes that wildlife management is a large part of that field of study. She has always striven for academic excellence and devotes a good portion of her time to volunteer work in the outdoor field. She proudly states, ” I am the secretary for the Great Outdoors Club and also part of the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsman.” She is also an avid hunter and loves to fish.