Contributed by Jackie Miller, Senior Administrator of the Henry David Thoreau Foundation

Isabella D. Ceresia, a 2020 Holliston High School graduate, will be entering college this autumn as a Thoreau Scholar. The scholarship, named for the 19^th-century naturalist and author, Henry David Thoreau, is a prestigious award given annually to only eight Massachusetts high school seniors.

 The daughter of Dr. Michelle Ceresia, Isabella’s interest in the environment was fostered by trips with her mother to the New England Aquarium and Southwick Zoo, and binge-watching television nature shows together. Later, Isabella attended student programs at the New England Aquarium and eventually earned an internship at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, an affiliate of the aquarium, helping to collect scientific data.

As a student at Holliston High School, Isabella’s interest in nature led  her to organize groups to help remove invasive species—plants such as Japanese knotweed, garlic mustard, and black swallow-wort—from the Holliston Rail Trail.  (See Holliston Reporter article: HR Article ) This fall, Isabella will enter University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she will study biology and minor in genomics or climatology.

The Henry David Thoreau Scholarship is a $20,000 four-year scholarship awarded to eight students graduating from public or private high schools in Massachusetts. High school seniors awarded the Thoreau Scholarship can enroll in any college and university in the world while they major or minor in an environmental-related field. Thoreau Scholars are encouraged to enroll in internships or study abroad to broaden their awareness and understanding of environmental issues. 

To learn more about the Henry David Thoreau Foundation and the Thoreau Scholarship, please visit their WEBSITE.