chesapeake bay trust

Our awards program is currently closed. Please read below for information on our winners from 2012: 


2012 Teacher of the Year Award: Erol Miller
Northwood High School, Montgomery County

Awarded to a Maryland Educator who has shown an outstanding commitment to environmental education.

A science teacher at Northwood, Erol Miller created the Northwood Chesapeake Bay Trail, a new environmental outdoor classroom and community green space in Montgomery County. This project included removing over 11,000 pounds of trash, clearing invasive species and installing educational materials and signs. Miller also led a team of teachers and students to develop a Maryland Green School application that received praise from the U.S. Department of Education, among many other accomplishments. Along with his award, Miller will have the opportunity to apply for a $2,500 grant to be used for environmental projects and programs for his school.

2012 Student of the Year Scholarship: Solon Snider 
Severna Park High School, Anne Arundel County

Awarded to a Maryland high school or college student who has shown an outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, Chesapeake Bay restoration and community involvement.

Solon Snider, a junior at Severna Park, is being honored for his outstanding commitment to environmental issues that affect both his school and local community. The $5,000 scholarship winner helped develop a successful recycling program at his school, and is leading the application process for Severna Park High School to be named a Maryland Green School. Snider is an active member of the Chesapeake Regional Association of Student Councils and was recently selected to serve as co-chairman of their Environmental and Community Action Committee. As co-chairman, he has led numerous workshops to inform students and communities of their impact on the environment and the Chesapeake Bay.

 

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2012 Honorable Arthur Dorman Scholarship: Natalie Oliver
Bladensburg High School, Prince George's County

Recognizing a Maryland high school or college student who demonstrates a commitment to improving the health of the environment and the Chesapeake Bay and who, as a student of color, exhibits exemplary leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion in his/her school and broader community.

The Trust’s $5,000 Arthur Dorman Scholarship is presented each year to a Maryland student who demonstrates a commitment to the environment and as a student of color, exhibits exemplary leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion in their community. A junior at Bladensburg, Natalie Oliver’s passion have been shaped by her science curriculum at school, her membership in the Port Towns Youth Council, and her volunteer hours with the Anacostia Watershed Society. As a volunteer, Oliver has been responsible for removing countless pounds of trash and invasive species from the Anacostia, as well as managing tree maintenance in her urban watershed.

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2012 Ellen Fraites Wagner Award: Robert Gallagher
West/Rhode Riverkeeper, Anne Arundel County

Awarded to recognize an individual who has shown exceptional commitment to the Chesapeake Bay and Leadership in the Bay community.

This award recognizes an individual who has shown exceptional commitment to the Chesapeake Bay and this year was given to Anne Arundel County resident, Robert Gallagher. As the founder of the West/Rhode Riverkeeper, Gallagher engaged and empowered the area’s local communities and residents through outreach work and volunteer programs. Most recently, he helped found the Anne Arundel County Chapter of the League of Conservation Voters and is a known advocate for Bay conservation issues. He is well respected in the environmental community, and has been integral in efforts to organize residents to support conservation goals.

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2012 Melanie Teems Award: C.A.R.E. Community Association
Baltimore City

Recognizes an exemplary project funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust that engages Maryland students or citizens in Bay education or restoration work.

The Trust’s Melanie Teems Award recognizes an exemplary grant project that engages Marylanders in Bay education and restoration work. The C.A.R.E. Community Association is being honored this year for their outreach and community engagement work to improve east Baltimore City. With grant support from the Trust, C.A.R.E. was able to implement a trash removal and mural painting project that raised awareness and connected residents to their Chesapeake Bay watershed while also reducing illegal dumping. As a result, there has been an increase in overall water quality and a decrease in debris and pollutants entering local waterways.

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2012 Torrey Brown Award: Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.

Recognizes a Maryland citizen who has shown extraordinary dedication to help preserve and protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary river and streams.

This year the Trust also honored Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. for his Chesapeake Bay efforts and community leadership. In 2010, President Miller spearheaded the creation of the Chesapeake Conservation Corps, a program run by the Trust that provides career and leadership training for young people interested in environmental careers and Chesapeake Bay protection. In less than two years, 37 outstanding individuals have participated in the program, with the first class graduating in November 2011. Of the inaugural class of 16, almost half have been hired by their host organizations, thus providing sustained employment for young people in Maryland.

For questions or more information on the award programs, please contact Molly Alton Mullins at 410.974.2941, Ext. 107.