Student offers hellbender talk to 80 area first-graders via new EELS environmental education program

Warrior Run High School senior Audrey Shipman created and shared a presentation about the Eastern Hellbender to 80 first-grade students at the Hughesville Elementary School on April19, 2023, via the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association's inaugural Environmental Education Leadership for Students (EELS) program.

Earlier this year, Audrey was one of several regional students who participated in a special environmental education workshop to kick off the EELS program, learning important skills and educational tools available to start giving presentations in local community venues.

"Audrey's hellbender presentation was an amazing success," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association board Secretary Morgan Thomas. "She has such a way of engaging younger students and is clearly so passionate about the environment and education. Not to mention, she kept the attention of 80 first-graders for her first-ever lesson."

Other students who attended the March EELS training workshop are setting up presentations throughout the region over the next couple months.​

"Our goal with the EELS program is to empower younger people with a passion for our waterways to help spread awareness to people in their local communities about watersheds, the river and the creatures that depend on our aquatic resources," said Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. "It was exciting to see Audrey work so hard on this presentation and really engage with these first-graders. This is just the first of what will be many opportunities for this program to reach new audiences and expand our efforts to protect and promote our resources." 

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association will be accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year during the month of September, with any high school junior or senior in the watershed eligible for consideration. More information about the process will be shared at that time. 

For more information or any questions about the program, contact Zaktansky at [email protected]