Wendy Suozzo Memorial Award

The Wendy Suozzo Memorial Award was established by the Friends of Five Rivers in 2009 and is granted to a graduating senior student or students at Bethlehem Central High School.

About Wendy Suozzo

Wendy Repass Suozzo was a lifelong educator with a deep and heartfelt passion for nature. She was known for her compassionate spirit, cheerful attitude and the positive impact she had on all those whom she touched. Wendy spent her entire life sharing lessons in inspiration and aspiration.

Wendy’s love of nature led her to a long and productive career as an environmental educator at Cape Cod (MA) National Seashore, Sharon (CT) Audubon Center, Capital Region (NY) BOCES, and the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. Most recently, as a program coordinator for the Friends of Five Rivers, Wendy was able to teach students about all the wonderful mysteries of the environment. She devoted tremendous energy to the Five Rivers’ educational programs, successfully sharing her love of nature with both children and adults alike. Wendy’s dedication and respect for the natural world serves as a worthy model for all of us.

About the Award

The Award is distributed to one or more selected Bethlehem Central High School graduating senior students once proof of registration in a college for the upcoming Fall college semester is provided to FFR.

Eligibility Requirements

The Memorial Award is granted to a graduating senior student at Bethlehem Central High School with the following qualifications:

• Strong interest in environmental issues and/or environmental science
• Previous and/or on-going volunteer activities relative to environmental education or conservation
• Plans to continue the study of environmental science, environmental issues and environmental conservation beyond high school.

Application Procedures 2012

Consult this web site or your Bethlehem high school counselor.
The announcement of the Award recipient is made at the BCHS Awards Ceremony in late May.

2011 Award Recipients

This year two Bethlehem Central High School students received $1,000 each in the third Wendy Suozzo Memorial Award ceremony.

Samuel Lewis and James Carroll received the awards from Jim Suozzo, Wendy’s husband. Both boys have been involved in community activities, including several involving environmental issues. Both have expressed interests in environmental concerns and plan to pursue activities they hope will have a positive effect on the environment.

Congratulations to both and many thanks to all who have contributed to the Friends of Five Rivers in memory of Wendy.