SAUGUS — In honor of a woman who dedicated her life to protecting the environment, the Saugus River Watershed Council will help one high school student pursue an education in public health.
Pamela Harris, a board member of the Saugus River Watershed Council, died in September 2017 at age 66.
“As a nurse, volunteer member of the Saugus Board of Health, and Saugus River Watershed Council Board member, Pam was committed to improving the public health of families in the Saugus River watershed by addressing even the most troubling sources of pollution,” said watershed program coordinator Mary Lester. “We are extremely pleased to provide this scholarship to honor Pam’s tireless efforts to make a difference by protecting public health and promoting environmental stewardship.”
In her memory, the Watershed will award a second environmental scholarship this year.
The Watershed will award one $500 Environmental Leadership Scholarship and one $500 Pamela Harris Memorial Scholarship to high school seniors graduating in the spring of 2019 and attending college next fall.
The selection of this year’s recipients will be based on commitment to environmental protection, academic record, demonstrated leadership in school and community activities, and statement of personal commitment to protecting the environment.
Debra Panetta, president of the Watershed, said Pam was a very close friend of hers.
“Pam was a strong, compassionate, knowledgeable, and determined public advocate, always looking out for the health and well-being of Saugus,” said Panetta. “Her spirit and environmental awareness will continue to inspire me, as well as many others, to work for a healthier and safer community. The Saugus River Watershed Council is proud to give out a scholarship in memory of Pam, and will continue to do so in future years.”
The Saugus River Watershed Council is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 to protect and restore the natural resources of the Saugus River watershed.
Financial need may be considered on a secondary basis among finalists.
Applicants demonstrating commitment to public health aspects of environmental protection will receive preference for the new Pamela Harris Memorial Scholarship.
To be eligible, applicants must live in one of the 11 communities that are part of the Saugus River watershed: Saugus, Lynn, Lynnfield, Wakefield, Reading, Revere, Everett, Malden, Melrose, Peabody, and Stoneham. Funds can be used for college tuition, books, or fees.
Applications must be emailed to [email protected] by Friday, April 12. The form is available at http://www.saugusriver.org/EnvironmentalScholarship.htm.
