The Coastal Bryan Tree Foundation recently named Veronica Fay this year’s recipient of the Jerry Holcomb/Coastal Bryan Tree Foundation Scholarship.
A $500 check was presented at the organization’s June board meeting. Fay, a 2011 graduate of Richmond Hill High School, is planning to pursue a degree in geology with a focus on hydrology at the University of Georgia this fall.
Holcomb, a certified arborist and foundation volunteer currently serving on the board of directors, helps make the scholarship possible through an endowment. He said the Coastal Bryan Tree Foundation is proud to support students such as Fay who have shown dedication not only in the classroom achieving outstanding grades but also dedication to their community.
During middle and high school, Fay served as leader of the river watch group Ogeechee Citizens Brigade, organized the annual clean-up of the Ogeechee River and participated in many other activities.
This is the third year the organization has offered the scholarship. The award goes to a student choosing an environmentally focused major, such as environmental science, forestry, agriculture, biology, sustainability, renewable energy and horticulture and is available to any student residing in Bryan County.
Formed in 2001, the mission of the Coastal Bryan Tree Foundation is to plant, promote and protect tree canopy, particularly live oak trees. Since its formation, almost 800 volunteers have planted and maintained nearly 600 trees in south Bryan County along Ford Avenue, in J.F. Gregory Park, at the schools and in Henderson Park. In addition, the organization facilitated the development and passage of a tree ordinance for both Bryan County and the city of Richmond Hill.
The foundation also developed a partnership with area schools called Project Learning Tree that helps teachers bring valuable information back to their classrooms.
Visit the foundation’s website at www.coastalbryantreefoundation.org.