MARSHALL FNDN Holds Graduation Celebration for Everglades Interns

Aug. 24, 2012 - PRLog -- (Lake Worth, FL - August 23, 2012) Nancy Marshall, President of the Board of the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation for the Everglades, which champions the restoration and preservation of the greater Everglades ecosystem, saluted the nonprofit organization’s five Summer Everglades Interns at a special Graduation Celebration.

More than 100 supporters of the Marshall Foundation attended the buffet and reception on August 2 at the Lake Worth Golf Club. The Graduation Celebration included an impressive presentation by the interns that demonstrated the economic value and impact of the Central Everglades Project.

The Marshall Foundation’s 2012 Everglades Interns were:

+ Mary Crider, 23, of Georgetown, TX. She earned a B.S. in Marine Biology and a B.S. in Environmental Sciences at Nova Southeastern University, and an M.S. in Environmental Sciences from Florida Atlantic University.

+ Kyle Dollman, 21, from Fort Myers, FL. He is a senior at the University of Florida, where he is studying environmental engineering.

+ Danielle Koushel, 21, from Sunrise, FL and a senior at the University of Florida, where she is majoring in Forest Resources and Conservation.
+ James K. O’Connell, 19, from Coral Springs, FL. A third year student at the University of Florida, he is pursuing a major in environmental engineering.
+ Karl “Max” Wallace, 20, from Stuart, FL. Karl is a junior at the University of Florida, where he is studying agricultural engineering with a specialization in land and water resources.

“The purpose of this life-changing, career-enhancing summer program is to train the next generation of environmental leaders,” said Mrs. Marshall. “Our objective is to create knowledgeable professionals who can address issues like the Everglades from a multitude of viewpoints. I’m pleased to say that over the last 11 years, the Marshall Foundation’s Summer Intern Program has made a positive impact on the lives of 48 young adults, many of whom are now enjoying productive and influential careers in environmental science and related fields.”

One of the highlights of the Graduation Celebration was when the five summer interns sang the Sonny & Cher classic “I Got You Babe,” but with new lyrics written by the father of James O’Donnell:
They say we're young and we don't know
but we’ll find a way to fix the flow
As our environment degrades
we will try to save the Everglades…
Make the water safe for us
Balance out the phosphorus
We’ll preserve canals and lakes
Make them safe for giant snakes
We will keep the river grassy
All the way to Tallahassee
Even though we’re brilliant scholars
We can really use your dollars
Arthur Marshall,
Summer Interns
Arthur Marshall,
The Foundation

Among those attending the Graduation Celebration were West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio and Leslie Lilly, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

About the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation:
Based in Palm Beach County, the Marshall Foundation champions the restoration and preservation of the greater Everglades ecosystem through science-based education and outreach programs. Annually, more than 15,000 elementary and high school students in Palm Beach County actively participate in the Marshall Foundation's various education programs.

Founded in 1998, the nonprofit organization has in recent years awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships and internships, planted nearly 100,000 native Florida trees in wetland areas, and involved more than 5,000 volunteers in hands-on restoration projects.

Attached Jpegs:
(All IDs are L-R; Photos by Corby Kaye’s Studio Palm Beach)
Karl “Max” Wallace, Danielle Koushel, James O’Connell, Mary Crider, Kyle Dollman

Media Contact: 

Gary Schweikhart
, PR-BS, inc.

561.756.4298 / gary@pr-bs.net