As Giving Tuesday approaches, we reflect on the incredible journeys of our students through the Wildlife Leadership Academy. This year, we are aiming to raise $2,500 to fund scholarships for the Ralph Abele Excellence in Outreach award, which recognizes students for their outstanding outreach accomplishments and provides them with a $500 scholarship to advance their education.
Since 2007, the Academy has awarded over $28,000 in scholarships to 58 recipients, celebrating their commitment to conservation. The impact of these scholarships is evident in the lives of our alumni—whether just beginning their journeys or advancing in their careers, they credit the Academy with giving them the experience and confidence they needed to pursue their goals.
Ryleigh is a sophomore in high school where she is involved in conservation club, art club, law enforcement club, and JROTC. She also is active in the drill team, rifle team, and Youth in Philanthropy. In addition to the Wildlife Leadership Academy, Ryleigh has attended the PA Junior Conservation Officers program.
Lenka attended Chatham University where she studied Sustainability, specifically on a natural resource management track. She is now working as a Naturalist Educator at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
Sydni graduated from Wilson College with a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medical Technology and continued her education at Manchester University, earning a master’s degree in Pharmacogenomics. During her time at Wilson College, she participated in a partnership with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, engaging in multiple wildlife conservation research efforts, which ignited her interest in a career in research. Following her master’s degree, she relocated to University of Pennsylvania where she worked with the Gene Therapy Program as a veterinary technician and she aided in development and commercialization of transformative genetic-based therapeutics. Driven by her passion for research and a desire to further her education, Sydni joined the Dr. Weissman’s Lab at the University of Pennsylvania in 2024 under the supervision of Dr. Elena Atochina-Vasserman where she assists in mRNA vaccine research and the development of novel mRNA delivery systems.
Makayla has an associate’s degree in Wildlife Technology from Penn State Dubois and a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Penn State. She currently works as an Elk Technician for the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
On December 3, we invite you to join us on social media as we spotlight the winners of the Ralph Abele Excellence in Outreach Award. Meet more alumni like Ryleigh, Sydni, Lenka, and Makayla and hear how the program has made an impact on their lives.
This Giving Tuesday, we ask for your help to raise $2,500 for next year’s Ralph Abele Excellence in Outreach award recipients. Your generosity helps us continue empowering young leaders who are passionate about conservation. Thank you for investing in the next generation of conservation leaders!
Giving Tuesday
Posted: November 30, 2024 by Katie Mace
As Giving Tuesday approaches, we reflect on the incredible journeys of our students through the Wildlife Leadership Academy. This year, we are aiming to raise $2,500 to fund scholarships for the Ralph Abele Excellence in Outreach award, which recognizes students for their outstanding outreach accomplishments and provides them with a $500 scholarship to advance their education.
Since 2007, the Academy has awarded over $28,000 in scholarships to 58 recipients, celebrating their commitment to conservation. The impact of these scholarships is evident in the lives of our alumni—whether just beginning their journeys or advancing in their careers, they credit the Academy with giving them the experience and confidence they needed to pursue their goals.
Ryleigh is a sophomore in high school where she is involved in conservation club, art club, law enforcement club, and JROTC. She also is active in the drill team, rifle team, and Youth in Philanthropy. In addition to the Wildlife Leadership Academy, Ryleigh has attended the PA Junior Conservation Officers program.
Lenka attended Chatham University where she studied Sustainability, specifically on a natural resource management track. She is now working as a Naturalist Educator at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
Sydni graduated from Wilson College with a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medical Technology and continued her education at Manchester University, earning a master’s degree in Pharmacogenomics. During her time at Wilson College, she participated in a partnership with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, engaging in multiple wildlife conservation research efforts, which ignited her interest in a career in research. Following her master’s degree, she relocated to University of Pennsylvania where she worked with the Gene Therapy Program as a veterinary technician and she aided in development and commercialization of transformative genetic-based therapeutics. Driven by her passion for research and a desire to further her education, Sydni joined the Dr. Weissman’s Lab at the University of Pennsylvania in 2024 under the supervision of Dr. Elena Atochina-Vasserman where she assists in mRNA vaccine research and the development of novel mRNA delivery systems.
Makayla has an associate’s degree in Wildlife Technology from Penn State Dubois and a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Penn State. She currently works as an Elk Technician for the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
On December 3, we invite you to join us on social media as we spotlight the winners of the Ralph Abele Excellence in Outreach Award. Meet more alumni like Ryleigh, Sydni, Lenka, and Makayla and hear how the program has made an impact on their lives.
This Giving Tuesday, we ask for your help to raise $2,500 for next year’s Ralph Abele Excellence in Outreach award recipients. Your generosity helps us continue empowering young leaders who are passionate about conservation. Thank you for investing in the next generation of conservation leaders!
Category: Youth Blog Tags: featured, giving tuesday, outreach