Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

The Saugus River Watershed Council recently awarded its 2013 Scholarship for Environmental Leadership to Samantha Hardy of Saugus. Ms. Hardy graduated as Salutatorian from Essex Agricultural and Technical High School this spring and will study environmental science at the University of New England in the fall. In high school, Samantha was one of only 20 students accepted into the competitive Environmental Science agricultural major. She has excelled in a challenging academic and field-based program that included coastal marine ecology, wetlands science, Hazmat, AP environmental science, and GIS.

Ms. Hardy has been interested in helping the environment since she began exploring the natural beauty of Breakheart Reservation in Saugus as a young child. While studying environmental science in high school, Samantha participated in field studies of the Merrimack River where she sampled water quality to determine causes of pollution in the watershed, and traveled to New Brunswick, Canada where she studied marine life and intertidal species. Once she completes her college training in environmental science at the University of New England in Maine, Samantha plans to work on conservation projects to protect endangered species and their habitat.

Each year, the Saugus River Watershed Council selects one scholarship winner based upon their commitment to environmental protection, academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, statement of personal commitment, and future goals related to protecting the environment. "Samantha has a clear passion for marine conservation. With her academic achievements, knowledge of environmental protection, and plans to study environmental science in college, she is well on her way to becoming a future leader in the environmental field," said Joan LeBlanc, Executive Director of the Saugus River Watershed Council.