The Whidbey Audubon Society 2014 scholarship awardees are Caitlyn Connolly of Coupeville High School and Rachel Crowther of Oak Harbor High School.

Connolly received $1,500 and will attend Unity College in Maine, which she selected for its environmental education curriculum. As part of her 4-H activities, she participated in beach and road cleanups. She plans to major in captive wildlife care and education.

Connolly is interested in environmental policy and helping the world by advocating, protecting, and overseeing its progression into a greener state

Crowther received $750 and will attend Washington State University to pursue her interest in biochemistry and biofuels. In high school, she attended classes through the Oak Harbor School District’s Home Connection program, and has completed two years in the Running Start program at Skagit Valley Community College and has earned an associate’s degree in science as well as her high school diploma.

Whidbey Audubon Society was organized for educational and scientific purposes, including promoting the study, conservation and restoration of birds and other wildlife and their habitats. One way in which Whidbey Audubon Society pursues this goal is by offering scholarships to Whidbey Island high school students who plan to pursue a career in conservation. The scholarships are made possible from individual donations and community support of the organization’s fundraising events, including its annual Birdathon in May.