The 2011 Parry Scholarship Committee of St. Mark Presbyterian Church of Newport Beach has named as recipients Amy Elizabeth Zvonar and Uriel Osvaldo Garcia.
Amy is from Georgia, and is currently a graduate student studying for a Master’s Degree in Environmental Management at Yale University. She also is an educator with the Connecticut Audubon Society.
Uriel is originally from Mexico, was raised in Gilroy, California, and is an undergraduate majoring in Environmental Science at the University of California in Berkeley. He distinguished himself doing research in a summer internship at Moss Landing Harbor.
Long aware of the environmental depredation that has become more and more serious over time, St. Mark formed an active committee, the Ecophilians, whose focus is on ecology, the environment, and ways to ameliorate the damage being done to the Earth, God’s gracious gift to humanity. The committee and the scholarship were the result of many hours of work and dedication by the Rev. Bob and LaRae Parry, long time members of St. Mark. They served in many aspects of the life of the church, but saw their special roles as advocates for the environment.
The scholarships are generally awarded for $1,500 each and are offered to college level Junior, Senior, or Graduate students enrolled at an accredited college or university in the United States, with a minimum GPA of 2.5.