Ivoryton resident Cayden Willets-Johnson has been named as the 2024 recipient of The Elizabeth Barnes Callender and Mary Francis Barnes Memorial Scholarship Award by The Essex Foundation Board of Directors. Presented to honor the bequest and memory of the late “Diz” Callender and her sister Mary, the $3,000 grant is available each year to one local Valley Regional High School (VRHS) graduating senior or graduate or an Essex resident who is pursuing studies related to land conservation and preservation at a two or four-year college, a technical school, or graduate school, or taking accredited courses in biology, botany, agronomy, ecology, horticulture, floriculture, forestry, landscape design, or environmental science.

Ms. Willets-Johnson will graduate from VRHS in June and begin her college studies this fall. She plans on pursuing a career as a geographic information system (GIS) analyst, which combines technology, socioeconomics, and environmental science. She is working with the Essex Land Trust in attracting Purple Martin swallows to the area and looks forward to volunteering for various future projects.

“Cayden’s academics, community work, and passion for environmental science and botany is outstanding,” commented Bruce Glowac, president of The Essex Foundation. “She represents the future that Diz and Mary wanted to support.”

The Essex Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Essex residents by providing funding for needs not met by other organizations or sources.  The Foundation relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and other community groups to fund special community projects and needs that benefit Essex residents.  More information can be found online at www.theessexfoundation.org or by emailing contact@theessexfoundation.org.