Scholarship

Sawyer “Tommy” Thompson, Jr. 2024 Scholarship Announcement

The River Center is proud to announce its annual scholarship opportunity for two local high school students. Each scholarship is worth $1,000.

Scholarship recipients

2017 Scholarship Recipients. Also pictured: Bunny & John Schmidt (Van Pelt Foundation), Jocelyn O’Neill (River Center), Patricia Walker

This program is made possible by an award from the Van Pelt Foundation and the Loxahatchee River District.

In order to qualify, students must be in their senior year and in good standing. Applicants should submit a 1000 word essay that communicates their understanding of the Loxahatchee River and its watershed, as well as the benefits provided to the river through wastewater treatment and water recycling. Applicants should include volunteer work associated with the river and/or projects completed that are of benefit to the river and its ecosystem. Essays should include:

  • A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Loxahatchee River and Watershed.
  • Student participation in service toward the protection of the Loxahatchee River (eg. volunteering with environmental organizations such as the River Center or other organizations, in a cleanup event, or special project).
  • A demonstrated understanding of water resources in the Loxahatchee River Watershed including the benefits to the river from wastewater treatment and water recycling.

The Loxahatchee River District was founded in 1971 with the mission to preserve the Loxahatchee River and its natural habitats by implementing innovative wastewater solutions, furthering river research efforts and fostering environmental stewardship. Wastewater treatment plants are imperative for public health, as well as the protection of our community’s natural resources, such as the Loxahatchee River watershed. Recycling treated wastewater, a program started in 1983, was an important addition to the Loxahatchee River District services, and provides additional protection for the Loxahatchee River. The River Center’s mission is to foster a sense of environment stewardship for the Loxahatchee River’s diverse watershed with quality education programs, exhibits and meaningful events. We believe by investing in the education of our local students, we are investing in the future of the Loxahatchee River.

Applications are due Friday, March 1, 2024

Application Requirements:

  • Applicant’s Name, Address, Phone, and Email address.
  • 1000 word essay that includes the bulleted points above.
  • 1 Teacher Recommendation (from a current teacher – preferably math or science)
  • List of special projects or awards that relate to environmental science (if applicable)
  • List of volunteer organizations & total hours completed at each organization (River Center/Loxahatchee River District volunteer hours beneficial)

Send Completed Applications to:

Jocelyn.ONeill@lrecd.org
River Center
Attn: Scholarship Competition
805 N US Highway 1
Jupiter, FL 33477

Selected Recipients will be announced on April 19, 2024

Sawyer "Tommy" Thompson, Jr. photo
Sawyer "Tommy" Thompson, Jr. ~ 2010

Sawyer “Tommy” Thompson, Jr. Scholarship Background

Named for a long-time board member of the Loxahatchee River District and supporter of the Loxahatchee River, Sawyer “Tommy” Thompson, Jr., our scholarship program continues to support graduating high school seniors as they begin their college careers.  Our goal is to help local students that have an interest in the Loxahatchee River to succeed in school.  The scholarship fund was started by the Van Pelt Foundation and supported by Macy’s.

Want to support our scholarship program?

You too can support our scholarship fund by making a donation(below) today and be part of a better tomorrow! Interested in applying for a scholarship? View scholarship information.

You may mail your donation to our address below or make a donation online using the following secure form.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.