Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Conservation Achievement Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes high school seniors who have shown significant voluntary commitment to conserving Illinois' natural resources.

"These young leaders are the future of conservation in Illinois," stated Natalie Phelps Finnie, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and ICF board chair. "Their passion, initiative, and long-term commitment to protecting the outdoors inspire us all. We are also deeply grateful to the generous donors who make these scholarships possible."

Each recipient will receive a $2,000 scholarship to aid their ongoing studies and conservation activities. The honorees this year have been involved in various environmental services, leadership roles, and community projects.

The recipients include:

- Molly Baxley from Unity High School in Tolono, Champaign County. Baxley is active with Camp Ondessonk and FFA, teaching Leave No Trace principles and promoting sustainable agriculture. She plans to study forestry.

- Jack Benson from Lincoln Park High School in Chicago, Cook County. Benson has led youth programs at Lincoln Park Zoo and EarthEcho International focusing on bird safety and marine plastics.

- Anna Bloomquist from PORTA High School in Petersburg, Menard County. Bloomquist organized invasive species removals with Menard County Trails and Greenways.

- Christian "Tate" Miller from Benton Consolidated High School in Benton, Franklin County. Miller's Eagle Scout project involved installing kayak launches at Rend Lake.

- Isabella Phillips from Du Quoin High School in Du Quoin, Perry County. Phillips has volunteered for invasive species removal and public land cleanups.

- Mia Vaughn from Lake Forest High School in Lake Bluff, Lake County. Vaughn has led environmental education initiatives through EcoKids and Rotary Interact Club.

- Amelia Votava from Naperville North High School in Naperville, DuPage County. Votava received the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Conservation Service Award for leading restoration projects.

- Andrew Weatherby from Jones College Prep in Chicago, Cook County. Weatherby organizes cleanups and teaches environmental ethics as a senior scout leader.

For more information on supporting ICF Conservation Achievement Scholarships or other ICF programs, interested parties can call 217-785-2003 or visit www.ilconservation.org online for donations.