2010 Future Leader Scholarship Winner

     Johnsburg High School senior Courtney Kramer has been selected to receive the 2010 Future Leaders Scholarship awarded by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (EDMC), a local non-profit organization that works to protect and preserve our natural resources and to educate the public on environmental issues.
     Each year, the EDMC offers a $500 scholarship to encourage young people who are interested in pursuing careers in environmental work. This year’s award was presented to Courtney Kramer of Johnsburg by the EDMC Board of Directors, at their monthly meeting on Monday, May 17. In addition to the $500 scholarship check, Kramer also received a Certificate of Achievement and a one-year student membership in the Environmental Defenders organization.
     Kramer, who will graduate June 4 in the top 3% of her class, is president of the National Honor Society at Johnsburg High School and a leader in the Johnsburg Outdoor Club. She also volunteers her time in the Big Brother/Big Sister program, teaches tumbling at a local athletic club, and is an outreach educator for the Friends of the Fox River.
     Kramer said she plans to study at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where she will major in Pre-Law with a minor in Environmental Studies, and hopes to pursue a career as an environmental lawyer.
The selection panel was impressed with Kramer’s academic record, her environmental activities, and her goals for the future, said Rick Johnson, co-chair of the Defenders’ Education Committee. “We congratulate her and we know that she will be successful in whatever she chooses to do,” he said.
     “Courtney is so deserving,” agreed David Rigby, Kramer’s junior high school science teacher, who drove to Woodstock to attend the presentation along with Kramer and her mother.
     “She is a good leader,” Rigby said of his former student. “Since 7th grade, Courtney has logged over 200 hours of volunteer service in environmental issues. She’s captain of cheerleading squad, she loves the outdoors - and she’s quite a good kayaker, too!”
     Founded in 1970, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (EDMC) is a citizen-based, 501c3 not-for-profit organization, dedicated to the preservation and improvement of our natural environment. New members and volunteers are always welcome, and donations are tax-deductible. To learn more about EDMC programs and activities, go to www.mcdef.org or contact the Defenders’ office at 124 Cass Street across from the Woodstock Square, phone (815) 338-0393. Business hours are 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.