Young Holmdel Citizen Wins $500 Town Environmental Scholarship

Congratulations to Holmdel High School student Kevin McNamara, a standout Holmdel citizen and Eagle Scout with Holmdel Boy Scout Troop 131, who was awarded the township's first $500 Recycling and Litter Prevention Scholarship for a student who proves his commitment to the environment.

McNamara, 17, has participated in 15 roadside cleanups around town. That's three a year for five years! (Unpaid toil, we might point out.)

He's also received two Holmdel Environmental Commendations for helping to clear and mulch trails at the township's Cross Farm and Bayonet Farm. (To see what goes into this, read another Eagle Scout's account of trail blazing at Cross Farm Park.) 

McNamara winning essay is published below:

The environment is important to me because I like to spend a lot of time outdoors hiking and camping. I also like to spend time at our local parks enjoying the trails and scenic lakes. I have seen the negative effects of pollution on many beautiful parks. My family and I have travelled to numerous National Parks and I have seen how litter effects the environment and our natural resources. Our parks’ natural beauty is something that needs to be preserved.

I have also observed first hand how pollution contaminates our streams and waterways due to runoff. Through scouting I have learned to leave a place inbetter shape than when you got there. It bothers me that some people are too lazy to pick up after themselves.

I have personally participated in numerous cleanups throughout town in conjunction with my Boy Scout Troop. I helped with three cleanups a year for five years. I have also helped clean, clear and mulch trails at Cross Farms, Bayonet Farms and Ramanessin Brook. These projects were organized by some of my fellow scouts who were working on their Eagle projects.

Currently I enjoy going to Thompson Park and Holmdel Park. While at the parks I always make it a point to pick up any litter that I see. In my family we have always made an effort to recycle as much as possible. I believe that if everyone made such simple efforts, it would make a big difference in our environment.

-- Kevin McNamara

The $500 scholarship money comes from the annual Clean Communities Council grant. The winner was chosen on the basis of their involvement in recycling efforts, litter clean-up and a 250-word essay. The judges are the members of Holmdel Township’s Green Team/Cool Cities Committee.