The MSRA is excited to announce the winners of our 2023 Jim Gracie Memorial Scholarship.

Alyssa Lee:

Alyssa will be a Sophomore at University of Maryland at College Park pursuing a bachelor degree in Environmental Science & Policy/ Concentration in Wildlife Ecology & Management.  After completing her bachelor's degree in Environmental Science & Policy/Concentration in Wildlife Ecology & Management, aims to become a Wildlife Biologist/Conservationist. Alyssa is a Watershed Steward within the Anne Arundel Watershed Stewards Academy Program (AAWSA) and interned with a team this summer at the USGS Eastern Ecological Center to monitor the reproductive success of local tern species via waterbird nest surveys, chick banding and data entry on Poplar Island. 

“I want to spread my perspective of age-inclusive watershed conservation efforts so that children, teenagers, and young adults can be an active part of the community.”

Laila Buckman:

Laila will be a Freshman at Virginia Tech pursuing a bachelor degree in Wildlife Conservation and wants to research ways to protect the Hellbender Salamander from climate change. Following graduation, Laila aims work at an agency to maintain protected lands, such as the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service or Bureau of Land Management.

“My career goal is to help in the fight against the increasing dangers of climate change.”

“No matter where I go, or where my studies may take my career, one thing will remain constant: I will do everything in my power to help and push our country and world towards a more ecologically stable future.”

Mackenzie Smith:

Mackenzie will be a Senior at Towson University, graduating in December 2023 with a bachelor degree in Environmental Studies.  She grew up on the Bush River in Aberdeen, Maryland. Mackenzie’s interested in working for the EPA field office in Annapolis where she interned through a program called C-StREAM, which focuses on recruiting first generation college students and/or people who identify as BIPOC. Mackenzie has a gift for presenting to groups, educating and engaging others, and speaking up for nature. 

“I teach friends the implications of their environmental hazardous actions. I pick up trash whenever I can. I attend conventions to keep learning the groundbreaking findings in the environmental field. I sign petitions, I protest, and I used my social media platform to educate the public. Speaking for nature is the most fulfilling way I can connect with it.”