We are pleased to announce the 2023 recipients of the “Maine Youth Environmental Leaders Scholarships (MYELS),” a $15,000 scholarship awarded to two outstanding high school Juniors with a passion for environmental stewardship and creating positive change in their home communities. This year, our two scholarship recipients are Bay Nadeau of Searsport, and Kaethe Rice of Waterville. It was clear from their applications that they are both passionate and strong leaders in their communities, and will take what they learn here at Maine Coast Semester to help bring about change in the world. We are excited to be a part of their journeys. Please help us give them a very warm “congratulations” for this huge accomplishment! 

Bay Nadeau, Fall 2023

Bay is a self-proclaimed naturalist from Searsport, ME, who is often referred to by his friends as a “walking field guide”. When he isn’t participating in student council or acting in theater productions at Searsport High School, he can be found volunteering for the Heron Observation Network of Maine, gardening, paddling, or exploring with his nature journal in hand. Bay is a change-maker and a leader who uses his knowledge of the natural world to help others appreciate the beauty of his home state. He is excited to join the Maine Coast Semester cohort this fall, and bring back everything he has learned to his home community to make positive, lasting change.
 

Kaethe (Kate) Rice, Spring 2024

Kate is a passionate activist from Waterville Senior High School. Ever since freshman year, Kate has dedicated her time both in and out of school to climate advocacy. Despite being in her sophomore year, Kate’s list of contributions to her community is long- she is class president and a student council representative, the VP of a very active green club at her school, a member of the Hardy Girls Healthy Women Feminist Action Board, a youth representative for the Defend our Health Action C4 Board, and was recently elected to be a co-leader for Maine youth for the Climate Justice High School Support Cohort. Kate is a big believer in strengthening the relationship between people and place in order to bring about positive change, and looks forward to learning more about this connection during her time with us at Maine Coast Semester next spring.