Posted on July 12, 2023
A key focus for Metro Waste Authority is environmental stewardship, and we are proud to support individuals who share that passion and exemplify a commitment to conservation and sustainability. This is why we established the Environmental Stewardship Scholarship program.
This year’s Environmental Stewardship Scholarship recipients are:
Maxwell Crees
Maxwell Crees from Polk City attended Ankeny Centennial High School and will attend UNI in the fall, where they will study Environmental Science. Maxwell has had a lifelong passion for learning about and helping the environment and has participated in many volunteer projects and extra-curricular activities that emphasize environmental stewardship, from tree plantings and community clean ups to edible wild plant trainings.
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Archer Bouslog
Archer Bouslog from Des Moines attended Roosevelt High School and will attend the University of Iowa in the fall, where they will study Environmental Science on the biosciences track. Archer has always loved time spent outdoors and looks forward to a future in which they can help children have the chance to learn about the environment. Archer has enjoyed engaging with conservation efforts through involvement with Polk County Conservation and the Blank Park Zoo and credits impactful educators in these settings with their passion for educating children about environmental stewardship.
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Owen Comiskey
Owen Comiskey from Des Moines attended Lincoln High School and will be attending Iowa State University in the fall, where they will study Electrical Engineering. Owen has a passion for environmental stewardship and an entrepreneurial spirit, which has led them to a goal of creating tools and resources that will allow for greater reliability for renewable energy sources. Through renewable energy, Owen sees a brighter, more sustainable future.
Jessica Butler
Jessica Butler from Alleman attended North Polk High School and will be attending DMACC in the fall, where they will study Environmental Science. Jessica has long been committed to environmental conservation and protection and has been active in Students for Environmental Protection and Conservation and is a member of Sierra Club. Jessica has worked to conserve and protect the environment through every day decision making like carpooling and reducing the use of single-use plastics and looks forward to the opportunity to learn more and expand this positive impact now and for generations to come.
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Danyel Fahey
Danyel Fahey from Polk City attended North Polk High School and will attend Creighton University in the fall, where they will study Environmental Science. Danyel hopes to focus on marine ecology and sustainability and looks forward to contributing to a healthier environment. Danyel held an officer role in Students for Environmental Protection and Conservation and is excited to continue their conservation and stewardship efforts as they move on in their educational career.
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Olivia Speers
Olivia Speers from Des Moines attended Roosevelt High School and will attend Drake University in the fall, where they will study Environmental Science with an emphasis on sustainability. As the Student Body President at Roosevelt, Olivia has coordinated educational events for the student body to educate about sustainable waste practices and has been actively engaged in community clean up events since elementary school. Olivia looks forward to a future in which their education and career align with their values and goals as an environmental steward with strong community involvement.
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Landon Bettis
Landon Bettis from Des Moines attended Dowling High School and is going to be a sophomore at Iowa State University this fall, where they will be studying Agricultural Engineering. Landon is studying water and land use and is interested in ways to prevent waste from entering waterways. Landon believes that prevention of contamination from the source will create cleaner, healthier waterways for all, and is enthusiastic about contributing to the health of the environment through this work.
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Josie Newton
Josie Newton from Pleasant Hill attended Southeast Polk High School and will attend Central College in the fall, where they will study Environmental Science and International Business. Josie kept very busy throughout their high school career, completing volunteer hours, participating in athletics, and taking on a variety of leadership roles. Josie spent a great deal of time at Metro Waste Authority’s Environmental Learning Center as a student and is excited to pursue an education and a career that connects environmental knowledge and stewardship efforts to life here in Iowa.
Congratulations to our 2023 recipients!