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Vanessa Joy Van Gorder

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy has awarded the annual Vanessa Joy Van Gorder Memorial Scholarship for $2,500 to Allison Sterner, a 2025 graduate of Wallenpaupack Area High School.

The Vanessa Joy Van Gorder Memorial Scholarship was established in 2015 in honor of Vanessa, who passed away on December 25, 2014. A recent graduate from West Chester University with a degree in education, Vanessa was passionate about the outdoors and loved exploring the region with her friends and family. The Conservancy established this scholarship in Vanessa’s memory and to honor her dream of becoming an educator.

Recipient Allison Sterner will attend Wilkes University in the fall to pursue a career in education. In high school, Allison was captain of the field hockey and softball teams, a member of the NFHCA National Academic Squad and National Honor Society, and an active volunteer in school programs. As Allison shared, “Teachers transmit knowledge and serve as role models, mentors, and guides. As someone who always found immense satisfaction in helping others, I knew teaching was the career pathway for me. Teachers who take time to understand their students as individuals and offer support beyond the classroom to ensure their success inspired me. I want to have this same impact as a teacher.”

To continue to inspire youth and encourage study and careers in natural science and education, contributions to the scholarship fund and other environmental education and conservation initiatives can be made online or by mail to 571 Perkins Pond Rd, Beach Lake, PA 18405.