Braden Rogers
Chana; Stillman Valley High School
Braden Rogers, a dedicated community leader since joining 4-H at age 8, has spearheaded environmental initiatives such as roadside cleanups and invasive species removal. His efforts in collecting over two tons of plastic for Trex benches have benefited multiple community sites, including libraries and senior centers. Braden’s leadership extends to his school’s Environment Club, inspiring peers to join in conservation efforts. He will attend the University of Wisconsin Platteville, continuing to advocate for environmental stewardship.
Coy Fox
Coulterville; Pinckneyville Community High School
Inspired by his parents' dedication to nature, Coy Fox has spent his high school years actively participating in environmental conservation. His projects include forestry management, invasive species removal, and building nesting boxes for wildlife. He contributed to the "Sounds of Nature" study, identifying 59 bird species in six days. Coy also assisted in the USACE Rough Fish Round-Up, removing invasive carp from the Kaskaskia River. Passionate about sustainable hunting, he has inspired friends to appreciate and engage in nature responsibly. Coy will attend Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville this fall..
Doriana Mierow
Caledonia; Belvidere North High School
Doriana Mierow's passion for nature began with raising Monarch butterflies, leading her to plant milkweed and advocate for local conservation efforts. In high school, she fundraised to protect Bell Bowl Prairie and raised awareness about the endangered rusty-patched bumble bee. Despite the prairie’s demolition, Doriana's discovery of a rusty-patched bumble bee in her garden inspired her to create a prairie habitat at home. She plans to study entomology at Purdue University to further her commitment to environmental preservation.
Felicity Hunt
Decatur; Warrensburg-Latham High School
Felicity Hunt has demonstrated a strong commitment to conservation through her leadership and service at Rock Springs Nature Center, where she maintains trails, cares for hummingbirds, and assists with community events. As a member of the Decatur Area Audubon Society, she expands her knowledge of local conservation efforts through bird hikes and counts. Felicity has also contributed to biological research by banding birds and studying their immune responses. She plans to continue her research as an honors student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, aiming to become a biology professor dedicated to environmental conservation.
Gwendolyn Happ
Homer; Heritage High School
Gwendolyn Happ has dedicated five years to volunteering at Champaign County Forest Preserves, assisting with events, creating educational artwork, collecting seeds, removing invasive species, and participating in mussel surveys. Through her FFA project, Gwen Happ’s Pollination Station, she grows and sells native plants, spreading awareness about their importance. Gwendolyn also cultivates a pollinator garden and is developing a prairie on her property. She is organizing a Native Plant Festival and Sale at Parkland College to promote community engagement in conservation. Gwendolyn will attend Parkland College this fall, continuing her environmental advocacy.
Jensen Coonradt
Aurora; Oswego East High School
Jensen Coonradt has committed to restoring native prairies and biodiversity. Starting with organizing environmental cleanups and riparian planting sessions, Jensen developed a solar-powered water quality monitoring system to enhance pond health. As a leader in the school Ecology Club, Jensen established a native prairie and a Hügelkultur garden to supply fresh produce to the Kendall County Food Pantry. To inspire others, Jensen founded Seeds of Hope, creating seed libraries in schools and public libraries, distributing over 8,340 native plant seeds. Jensen will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology this fall to further their environmental impact.
John Peterson
Charleston; Charleston High School
John Peterson has demonstrated a strong commitment to conservation through his involvement in Scouting and extensive volunteer work. Earning the World Conservation Award, John organized camping trips, trail maintenance, and cleaning efforts. His Eagle Scout project led over 30 volunteers in removing 3,500 saplings from the DHNC prairie, preserving its biodiversity and educational value. As a Junior Counselor Intern and Conservation Crew Intern at DHNC, John contributed over 100 hours each summer, teaching young people about nature and maintaining the center’s woods and trails. John plans to continue his conservation efforts by pursuing environmental law at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Mara Franklin
Milan; Sherrard Senior High School
Mara Franklin's high school years were defined by her dedication to conservation, aiming to become a marine biologist specializing in conservation, education, and prevention. She planned, planted, and maintained a half-acre pollinator plot at her school, earning recognition from local environmental groups. This project inspired other schools to create their own pollinator plots, with plans to expand further into local grade schools. As a Junior Zookeeper at Niabi Zoo, Mara educated the public on animal conservation. This summer, she plans to volunteer at Nahant Marsh, engaging in activities that align with their mission of conservation and education. Mara will be attending Northwest Missouri State University in the fall.
Megan Baker
Trilla; Neoga Jr-Sr High School
Megan Baker's dedication to conservation began in her freshman year when she initiated a research project to combat water pollution. With a two-acre plot donated by a local farmer, Megan planted a timber buffer strip to reduce runoff and improve water quality in a creek flowing into the Little Wabash River. Over the past three years, she has conducted water quality tests and sampled macroinvertebrates to evaluate the project's effectiveness. Her work involved surveying the plot, selecting and planting indigenous trees, and meticulously testing water samples for nutrient pollution. Megan's efforts have shown promising results in reducing pollution. She plans to pursue a master's in Forest Hydrology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and aims to work with the United States Forest Service to protect natural resources.
Robert Berlage
Chicago; Whitney M Young Magnet High School
Robert Berlage exemplifies a strong commitment to conservation nurtured on his family's northwest Illinois farm. He actively tends native grass filter strips, combatting soil erosion and fostering local wildlife. His forestry initiatives include creating pathways to enhance biodiversity. In Boy Scouts, Robert serves as an Outdoor Ethics Guide and "Leave No Trace" trainer. At Wildwood Nature Center, his Eagle Scout Project involved building outdoor play boxes depicting native ecosystems. At Brookfield Zoo, Robert conducted marine research and earned recognition as "Innovator of the Year" for pioneering high school internships. Robert will attend the University of New England to study conservation, aiming to inspire youth in environmental stewardship.