Southold Sophomore to Represent NY at National Environmental Summit

An aspiring young environmentalist from Southold will be one of 250 high school students to participate as National Youth Delegates in Washington, D.C., this coming summer.

Mary Bertschi, a student at Southold High School in 10th grade, has been selected to represent New York as a National Youth Delegate at the 2013 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment at George Mason University, to be held June 23 – 28.

Mary will join a select group of 250 students from across the country to participate in an intensive weeklong study of leadership in environmental science and conservation. She was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest in leadership in the sciences and conservation studies.

Southold High School Principal William Galati said that Mary is currently enrolled in two rigorous courses — AP Biology and Physical Setting Chemistry, and has aspirations to continue those studies to help the environment. During the summer she attends the Sprout Creek Farm Camp upstate in Poughkeepsie, where she has learned and practiced organic-sustained farming techniques and practices. 

“It has been a privilege to know Mary for the past four years and during those years I have observed Mary mature into a student with a passion and mission to preserve our natural environment while sustaining an enriched focus on her academic studies,” Principal Galati said.

George Mason University has partnered with National Geographic and the National Zoo to welcome the nation's youth scholars to Washington, D.C. The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment offers aspiring environmentalists and student leaders experience a unique, weeklong experience focused on successful careers in a given industry.

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.