Four Canyon Lake High School students received scholarships for Environmental Excellence from the Water Oriented Recreation District of Comal County (WORD) Monday, April 21.
WORD — which oversees Canyon Lake and over 30 miles of floatable water on the Guadalupe River — wanted to recognize environmental initiatives by students whose environmental-service projects could be used by the district in the future.
WORD’s mission is to improve the environment and welfare of the area it oversees by conserving natural resources, improving public health, promoting water safety, and operating public parks in the district.
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
Becker Russell, whose Cans 4 Food 4 Kids reduced waste by recycling aluminum cans at a local campground and using the proceeds to support local food programs for those in need. Russell won a $4,000 scholarship.
Rylee Wunderlich, whose Fish Fridays at Rebecca Creek Elementary taught students about native fish species and how they are impacted by factors like adaptation, habitat elements, drought, silt, predators and hybridization. Wunderlich received a $4,000 scholarship.
Jacob Tuckness, whose Water Conservation for Kids taught second graders at Mountain Valley Elementary School simple water-conservation techniques like shutting off the water faucet while brushing their teeth. Students learned how much water can be saved and how much wasted. Tuckness won a $4,000 scholarship.
Diego Herrera, whose Clean the Lake project helped keep Canyon Lake clean by providing meaningful service opportunities for students at the high school. Clean the Lake also promoted environmental awareness by educating students about the consequences of pollution and by encouraging sustainable habits. Hererra won an $8,000 scholarship.
