Congrats to Dani Smith!

Hey gang,

As some of you may know, Dani Smith has had a real banner year with YESC this year! Between her victory as captain of the World Series of Birding team and receiving the Trevor Conlow Award, she has had an incredibly rewarding year! In addition to these two accolades, Dani has been recognized by other organizations because of her involvement with YESC.

On April 18th, Dani was one of the recipients of the Front Porch Trust Scholarship award. She was recognized by the Front Porch Trust Board of Trustees for her volunteer efforts throughout her time in YESC. 

 Dani with her fellow winners and PA State Representative Duane Milne

 Great Valley High School Guidance Counselor Jeff Martin, Dani, and BQ

Dani reading her essay to the attendees of the scholarship banquet

In addition to her scholarship award, the latest issue of Great Valley High School's "Surveyor" features Dani as she describes the World Series of Birding. Check out the article here:

In addition to her accomplishments in YESC, Dani and Ben Bussmann are both completing the second year of a summer internship with the Ornithology Department at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, PA. Through this internship, they are taking their interest in birding to the next level as they complete this once in a lifetime opportunity! For those who will be joining us on Eco-Career Exploration, we will be spending a day with Dani and Ben at the Academy as they and their mentor, Dr. Nate Rice, give us a behind the scenes tour of the Ornithology Department.

Needless to say, we are all very proud of Dani and her accomplishments during her time here at YESC. She truly exemplifies the qualities of a Trevor Conlow Award winner!

- BQ

YESC Awards Banquet & BBQ

This evening, YESC hosted the 2nd annual end-of-year Awards Banquet and BBQ for participants and their families. Please see the video and photos of the event and award winners below.

Video presentation of the "Trevor Conlow Award" recipients and members of the YESC Hall of Fame, including this year's 2012 recipient.

 Families enjoying the BBQ dinner and social time.

 BQ meeting and greeting with families.

Jeff Scott, Environmental Education Director (left), chats at the podium with Brian Raicich, Team Leader for Youth Development, and Brian "BQ" Quindlen, YESC Coordinator. 

 A slide from the opening presentation about the YESC program.

 Lindsay Hennessey, Camp UMLY Assistant Director, presents the Youth & Government program, a branch of YESC.

 Naiya McClay, recipient of the "Amish Weapon Award - Ivory Bill Female" recognizing the middle school female student with the greatest number of service hours of the past year. 

 Yusuf Romaine-Elkhadri, recipient of the "Amish Weapon Award - Ivory Bill Male" recognizing the middle school male student with the greatest number of service hours of the past year. 

 Rita Concannon, received the "Amish Weapon Award - Apgars Moose Female" recognizing the high school female student with the greatest number of service hours of the past year. Accepting on her behalf was Jacob Haag.

 Ben Bussmann, recipient of the "Amish Weapon Award - Apgars Moose Male" recognizing the high school male student with the greatest number of service hours of the past year. 

Danielle Smith, the 2012 "Trevor Conlow Award" recipient and newest member of the YESC Hall of Fame, with Brian Raicich (left) and BQ (right).