Essex Garden Club Awards 15 Scholarships to Outstanding Local Students

Essex, Connecticut, June 5, 2026 — The Essex Garden Club is proud to announce the awarding of

15 scholarships through its 2026 Scholarship Program, providing financial support to an

exceptional group of local students whose academic achievement, leadership, community service,

and commitment to environmental stewardship distinguished them among a highly competitive

applicant pool.

This year, the Club awarded scholarships to seven graduating high school seniors and eight

students currently enrolled in colleges and universities, representing a wide range of

educational institutions. Many of the recipients are pursuing studies related to environmental

science, conservation, sustainability, natural resource management, and related fields. Other

awardees are preparing for careers that will contribute indirectly to the stewardship and well-being

of communities and the environment through education, healthcare, engineering, public service,

and scientific research.

Scholarship awards ranged from $500 to $5,000, reflecting the strength of each applicant's overall

achievements, demonstrated financial need, educational aspirations, and commitment to service.

Awardees from the high school level included the following: Sadie Iselin, Kayleigh Dugan, Ryan

Poulin, Antonia Marchese, Sonya Xaypanya, Isabel Rice, and Anahi Matute. Awards from the college

level included the following: Abigail Jones, Abigail Reardon, Anna McCauley, Chloe Porcaro,

Nathaniel Hill, Zachary Jones, Marley Hilliar, and Delny Marsden.

The 2026 applicant pool represented a cross-section of ages and backgrounds. Every student who

applied met the program's basis eligibility requirements and demonstrated impressive academic

credentials, meaningful extracurricular involvement, leadership experience, and a sincere

dedication to making positive contributions within their schools and communities.

"The Scholarship Committee was deeply impressed by the caliber of this year's applicants," said H.

Kaye Griffin, Chairperson of the Essex Garden Club Scholarship and Campership Committee.

"These students represent the very best qualities of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

Their accomplishments are remarkable, but equally inspiring is their commitment to helping others

and improving the communities in which they live."

Recipients were selected through a comprehensive and rigorous review process conducted by

members of the Scholarship Committee. Applications were evaluated using established criteria

that included academic performance, school and community involvement, personal essays, letters

of recommendation, demonstrated leadership, environmental awareness, and documented

financial need. The committee's objective was not only to recognize excellence but also to invest in

students whose future contributions promise to benefit society in meaningful and lasting ways.

The scholarship program reflects the Essex Garden Club's longstanding belief that education is one

of the most important investments a community can make in its future. In particular, the Club seeks

to encourage awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of the natural environment by supporting

students who demonstrate a commitment to protecting and enhancing the world around them.

The Essex Garden Club extends its sincere congratulations to all scholarship recipients and its

appreciation to every student who applied. The Club also recognizes the parents, educators,

counselors, mentors, and community members who have supported these young scholars

throughout their educational journeys.

Funding for the Scholarship Program is made possible through the May Market Fundraiser

proceeds, private donations from Essex Garden Club members, and a most generous funding grant

from the Kitchings Family Foundation, all of which share the Club's commitment to educational

opportunity and environmental stewardship.

"As we look toward the future, we are encouraged by the extraordinary promise represented by

these 2026 awardees," Griffin added. "Their intellectual curiosity, determination, compassion, and

commitment to service give us great confidence that they will become the leaders, innovators,

professionals, and citizens who will shape a better future for all."

Kayleigh Dugan, Scholarship Awardee, Valley Regional High School Committee.

Note: No photos of the college level awardees available at this time.

Essex, Connecticut, June 5, 2026

The Essex Garden Club is pleased to announce the awarding of summer camp sponsorships (camperships) to 29 local children.

Through the Essex Garden Club's Campership Program, children from the Essex, Ivoryton, and Centerbrook communities will attend summer camp programs offered by the Essex Parks and Recreation Department, The Incarnation Center in Ivoryton, and Camp Hazen YMCA in Chester. Referrals for campership support are provided through local schools, social service agencies, and community partners who work directly with families in need.

The Campership Program reflects the Essex Garden Club's longstanding commitment to education, youth development, and environmental stewardship. By providing opportunities for children to participate in outdoor camps that emphasize nature exploration, recreation, environmental awareness, and healthy outdoor activities, the program helps foster a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

"Summer camp offers children far more than recreation," said H. Kaye Griffin, Chairperson of the Essex Garden Club Scholarship and Campership Committee. "These experiences encourage curiosity, confidence, friendship, and a deeper understanding of the environment. Through outdoor exploration and hands-on activities, children learn to appreciate the natural resources that make our communities such special places to live."

Many of the camps supported through the program provide opportunities for hiking, environmental education, wildlife observation, water-based activities, outdoor skills development, and other experiences that connect children directly with nature. These opportunities closely align with the Essex Garden Club's educational mission of promoting environmental awareness, conservation, and responsible stewardship of our natural resources.

The Essex Garden Club extends its sincere gratitude to the generous donors whose support makes the Campership Program possible. Significant funding for the 2026 program was provided through the Essex Bank Community Investment Program and the Kitchings Family Foundation, whose continued commitment to local children and families has had a meaningful impact throughout the community.

Funding for the Campership Program is secured through a competitive grant process led annually by the Essex Garden Club Scholarship and Campership Committee. Committee members, working with the public schools and social services agencies, identify community needs, prepare grant applications, cultivate donor partnerships, and oversee the distribution of funds to participating organizations that provide camp experiences for eligible children.

"The success of this program is truly a community effort," Griffin added. "We are deeply grateful to our funding partners, local schools, social service professionals, camp providers, and volunteers who work together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive through the summer camp experience."