Conservation Education Scholarships provided in partnership by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and Seneca Resources Company, LLC awarded to Seven Applicants

Seven Students. One Shared Passion for Conservation

The Keystone Elk Country Alliance is proud to present the 2026 Conservation Education Scholarships in partnership with Seneca Resources, Company, LLC.

The Keystone Elk Country Alliance and Seneca Resources Company, LLC award deserving PA high school seniors continuing their education in the field of conservation, wildlife, science, or education a college scholarship of $1,000. This is the 7th year for this annual scholarship and this year we awarded seven scholarships. Each applicant is required to submit a portfolio with an essay about experiences in their lives that have inspired them to pursue the environmental field of studies, a letter of recommendation, and a letter of acceptance from a college or secondary education school.

From Left to Right – Dalton Koch, Riquel Tripodi, KECA President Ben Porkolab, Seneca Resources, LLC Representative Trey Miller, and Leanna Smith. Other awardees were unable to attend the event

After thorough review from our Scholarship Committee, we would like to congratulate our 2026 Conservation Education Scholarship winners, Cecily Bell, Isaac Grovanz, Morgan Kimmel, Dalton Koch, Maria Ours, Leanna Smith, and Riquel Tripodi. Each of these outstanding students have displayed what we feel is a strong representation of this field. With the increased number of applicants and award winners over the years, this scholarship remains competitive and well deserved.

Our highest priority at the Keystone Elk Country Alliance is conservation education. Through instilling our mission, “To conserve and enhance Pennsylvania’s Elk Country for future generations,” through education to others like Cecily, Issac, Morgan, Dalton, Maria, Leanna and Riquel, we can ensure that Pennsylvania’s Elk Country will continue to thrive.

Environmental stewardship

“Our partnership with KECA reflects a shared commitment to conservation, education, and community investment,” said Lauren Adair, Stakeholder Relations Representative for Seneca Resources. “Environmental stewardship and professionalism are among Seneca’s core values, and these scholarship recipients embody both. By pursuing fields that advance environmental protection and sustainability, they are making meaningful investments in the future of our region and the generations that follow. We congratulate each recipient and are proud to support their success.”

Jake Pistner, Conservation Education Coordinator adds, “Seneca Resources has been a significant partner of KECA and key supporter of our conservation education department for many years. With a combined effort from both the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and Seneca Resources this scholarship will continue to benefit Pennsylvania’s high school seniors that choose to apply and invest in themselves. All of these winners are students who chose to pursue careers in conservation and are passionate about mother nature. KECA believes in supporting those who embrace conservation and the enhancement of PA’s elk country for future generations.”

Seneca Resources Company, LLC explores for, develops, and produces natural gas in the Appalachian Region, including the Marcellus and Utica Shales, and has been providing energy and jobs for more than 100 years. For more information, visit YourFutureOurFuture.com.

The Keystone Elk Country Alliance is a nonprofit wildlife conservation organization dedicated to conserving and enhancing Pennsylvania’s Elk Country and elk herd for future generations through conservation education, habitat enhancement, stewardship projects, and land protection. Through its programs, partnerships, and the Elk Country Visitor Center, KECA inspires hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to appreciate, understand, and support wildlife conservation.

Media Contact

Jennifer Weld
Public Relations Director
Keystone Elk Country Alliance
Jennifer@kecaus.com

Conservation Education Scholarships provided in partnership by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and Seneca Resources Company, LLC awarded to Seven Applicants

Seven Students. One Shared Passion for Conservation

Environmental stewardship

Media Contact

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