East Longmeadow Garden Club

Branden Hrdlicka and his proud mother and grandmother attended the annual luncheon-meeting of the East Longmeadow Garden Club on Thursday, May 29th.  Diane Tiago, Scholarship Chair, presented him with a certificate representing the Esther A. Rosati Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000.

 

Branden completed his junior year at Westfield State University where he has chosen to major in two different areas:  Environmental Science and Regional Planning.  According to Tiago, this is not the firt time Branden has received the award.  In a previous year he stated that he wanted to be an active participant and leader to help find solutions that will improve our environment.  He has stayed the course.

 

As a member of the college's extra-curricular Environmental Group, Branden participated on canoe-expeditions on the Westfield River which aligns with his vocational plan to work in water resources.  He explained that water is an essential element of life but lacks proper attention.

 

As part of Branden's Applied Science of the Environment course, Branden and his classmates went on a ten-day trip to Costa Rica with Professor Michael Vorwerk, Chair of the Environmental Science Department at Westfield State University.  Branden shared brochures, photos, and explained about its ecosystem.  He related his experiences and explorations while there.

 

Statements that stood out from reference letters that helped the scholarship committee make its decision were:  "He is a student with a great attitude toward his studies, great work ethic, and a commitment to success."  Another wrote:  "Branden attended my upper-level wetlands identification and regulation class.  Branden produced good work and has great potential."  Lastly, "Branden is a strong student and scientist.  He is very reliable, and his assignments are turned in on time and done to a very high level."

 

 We wish him continued success in his senior year at Westfield State University.