Marshall Davis of Western Wayne High School has been named the Lackawaxen River Conservancy Scholarship winner for 2023. On June 3, he won his honor at Senior Night.
Marshall will study environmental geoscience at Bloomsburg University and minor in soil science. He plans to pursue a career in land and resource management.
An issue of great concern to Marshall is the spread of the woolly adelgid and the serious threat it poses to the Eastern hemlock. “The woolly adelgid isn’t just wiping out any old species of tree,” he said. “It’s wiping out the Pennsylvania state tree—a tree species that has been native to this area for thousands, if not millions of years.” Unfortunately, the only effective way to save the trees is through chemical treatments that are difficult to implement, said a spokesperson for the conservancy.
Marshall had six Advanced Placement classes on his schedule. His guidance counselor described him as a student who is never satisfied with “good enough” and always acts with honesty.
He was chosen for Lackawanna Leads—Tomorrow’s Leaders Today after participating in Envirothon for three summers. He was an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts and a starting defender on the varsity soccer team. For three years, he also competed in unified track and field.
Marshall’s concern for the conservation of our nation’s resources has guided his career choice as well as his high school program and activities, the spokesperson said. “It is a cause for optimism that Marshall and other like-minded young people are committed to the protection of our planet.”
The Lackawaxen River Conservancy Scholarship is available to graduating seniors from the Lackawaxen Watershed who plan to pursue a career in environmental conservation. Eligible students include those from Honesdale High School, Wallenpaupack Area High School, Western Wayne High School, and Canaan Christian Academy.The Lackawaxen River Conservancy is made up of former and present people of Pike and Wayne counties. Its mission is to safeguard and preserve the natural beauty of the Lackawaxen River, its watershed, and wildlife.