2026 Scholarship Winner Announced
$1500 KATHERINE McKENNA SCHOLARSHIP
Katherine M. McKenna Scholarship awarded
The Westmoreland Garden Council is pleased to announce that Sage Storm of Stahlstown, Pa was selected to receive the $1,500 scholarship for 2026. He is the son of April and Justin Storm of Westmoreland County. Sage attends SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry of Syracuse NY, pursuing a degree in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries.
Sage has been an active participant in many conservation efforts. Acting as a research assistant at Penn State, he conducted studies involving honey bees. As President of Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisor Council for Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation, he helped plan river cleanups, provided public presentations, and made recommendations on conservation-related legislation.
An avid fisherman, Sage volunteered at numerous youth conservation camps throughout Pennsylvania to promote responsible stewardship of natural waterways to young campers. He has written several articles focused on freshwater mussels and aquatic ecosystems.
Deeply committed to education, advocacy, and protection of the environment, he wants to earn an advanced degree so that he can educate our future scientists in the classroom. Additionally, as a professor, he plans to conduct research involving the conservation of aquatic ecosystems.
Congratulations Sage! May your hard work continue to inspire others.
2025 Scholarship Winner!
Congratulations: Elizabeth Bruner.
The 2025 Katherine McKenna Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 was awarded to Elizabeth Bruner.
Elizabeth is a senior from Blairsville, Pennsylvania. She obtained her associate degree in wildlife technology from Penn State DuBois and is currently attending Penn State University Park pursuing a major in forest ecosystem management and a minor in geographic information systems.
Elizabeth’s long-term career goal is to manage and conserve Pennsylvania’s natural resources and forests for future generations and wildlife.
She is currently working as a forestry intern with the southwest region of the Pennsylvania Game Commission to gain experience and learn forest management for wildlife and plans on working full time with the Game Commission after graduation.
Elizabeth serves as president of the Society of American Foresters student club at Penn State and is a level 1 shotgun instructor in the Pennsylvania 4-H program. Some of her hobbies include hiking, hunting, fishing, and sport shooting.
Congratulations Elizabeth! We wish you much success in your career plans.
2024 Scholarship Winner!
Congratulations: Isabel Ramos
The 2024 Katherine McKenna Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 was awarded to Isabel Ramos.
Isabel is a junior at Bucknell University pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering and Management for Engineers. Over this past summer she worked on undergraduate research focusing on the water quality of streams in Union County.
Throughout college Isabel was a member of Bucknell’s chapter of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) and its Chi Epsilon Chapter (Civil engineering honor society) in addition to being the Vice President for the group.
On campus, Isabel is a teaching assistant for the environmental engineering science lab and a study group facilitator.
Isabel hopes to work in water restoration after graduation and pursue a master’s degree in environmental engineering.
Congratulation Isabel! We wish her much success in her choice of career paths!
2023 Scholarship Winner
Congratulations: Elizabeth Bruner
The 2023 Katherine McKenna Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 was awarded to Elizabeth Bruner.
Elizabeth is a sophomore at Penn State DuBois pursuing her associates degree in wildlife technology and her bachelors degree in forest ecosystem management. Over the summer she is working as the forestry intern in Clearfield County for the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Throughout high school Elizabeth was very active in Pennsylvania 4-H, the PA Governor’s Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation, the Wildlife Leadership Academy, Trout Unlimited, and many other conservation organizations.
While in college, she has become a Lion Ambassador, treasurer of the Wildlife Society, a undergraduate tutor, and a student activity fee committee member. Her long-term career goal is to become a forester and manage Pennsylvania’s forest resources.
Congratulation Elizabeth! We wish her much success in her choice of career paths!
2022 Scholarship Winner
Congratulations: Jordon Ponchione
2022 Scholarship Recipient
The Katherine McKenna Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 was awarded
to Jordyn Ponchione. Jordyn is the daughter of Tammy Ponchione of
Dilltown, PA in Indiana County.
Jordyn is pursuing a bachelor degree in Park and Resource Management as a
first generation student at Slippery Rock University. Upon graduation she
plans to work for the National Park Service as an interpretive park ranger.
As a first year student Jordyn was selected to participate in the Bonner
Leadership Program. This nationwide leadership program challenges
undergraduate students to create and participate in civic educational
opportunities thru community partnerships. Her most recent activity
included Downtown Butler, a local revitalization effort in Butler, PA.
Jordyn is also a member of the Park Ranger Society on campus.
Jordyn believes that it is important for a community to help support
education and the success of students at all levels to ensure a better future.
Her love of nature and her concern for the environment will enable her to
plan outdoor programs for all audiences.
Congratulation Jordyn! We wish her much success in her choice of career paths!