Rayelle Cooper, a 2021 graduate from David Thompson High School, is the recipient of this year’s Martha Kostuch Scholarship for Environmental Excellence.

This September, Rayelle will attend Mount Royal University in Calgary to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science. After graduating with her degree, Rayelle plans to pursue new monitoring technologies needed to help improve the air quality in our communities.

Rayelle has been very active in her community. One of her major achievements is over nine years of participation in the Alberta Junior Forest Wardens program.

Kevin Warren, The Executive Director for Parkland Airshed Management Zone (PAMZ) talked about the work Rayelle has done. “The award selection committee was extremely impressed by the combination of Rayelle’s demonstrated commitment to the environment through her historical performance in all the key areas: academic, work and volunteer, and her future academic goals and career aspirations .

The Martha Kostuch scholarship is awarded annually to a high school graduate living in the PAMZ region who wishes to further their education in an area that will benefit the environment.

The scholarship was established in 2008 to honour the legacy of Dr. Martha Kostuch, a founding Board member of PAMZ and lifelong environmental advocate.

**with information provided by Parkland Airshed Management Zone