FGP awards $6000 in scholarships to three local students
- Jun 2
- 4 min read
The Foundation for Geauga Parks (FGP) awarded $2500 Conservation Scholarships to Grayson Yoder (of Middlefield) and Peter Murray (of Chardon) and a $1000 scholarship to Samuel Gdovichin (of Middlefield) for exceptional commitment to conservation, environmental science, and community leadership.
The awardees, their parents and friends, FGP Trustees and teachers gathered at Blue Heron Preserve (Burton) to celebrate the scholarship winners on May 31, 2026. "These young men have grown up in Geauga Parks...now they're taking that connection into their education and their futures," says FGP Executive Director Christine Davidson. "They represent a promising next generation of conservation leaders, young people that understand that caring for the land is not only protecting what we inherited but about imagining what we can make possible."
The Conservation Scholarship is awarded to students who live in Geauga County or attend high school in Geauga County and plan to pursue studies in environmental education, preservation, conservation, and sustainability. Consideration was given to the students’ extra-curricular activities, academic or community projects, volunteer service, clubs, fundraisers, internships or employment that promote values aligned with the Foundation’s mission to fund community engagement with nature through education, preservation, and appreciation of Geauga County’s unique natural character.
Since the program's inception in 2020, the Foundation has been able to award $24,000 in scholarships to 22 Geauga County students who pursue nature-related studies.
Grayson Yoder, of Middlefield, traces his love of nature to time spent in our local parks as a child. He graduated from Cardinal High School and plans to study biology or environmental science at the University of Mount Union this Fall.
In addition to being an athlete and musician, Grayson has been involved in a variety of nature- and science-related activities including Envirothon, Cleveland Chemistry Olympiad and Nordson Academic Challenge. He is also a Leadership Geauga Youth Institute Graduate, member of National Honor Society, and has been awarded many honors including East Geauga Kiwanis Club Outstanding Freshman Award, Science Academic Excellence Award, Northeastern Athletic Conference All-Academic Team and Spanish Academic Excellence Award. For four summers, Grayson volunteered as a Stream Monitor for the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District – he chemically tested the water and assessed organisms to determine the overall quality and health of the stream.
Grayson said his “dream job” after college would combine lab work and being outdoors in a detailed, discovery-oriented position.
FGP Trustee and Scholarship Committee member Carl Brondel said of Grayson Yoder, "[Grayson] told us his love of nature goes back to his youth when he would explore the parks with his family. And those remembrances carried forward into how he wants to map out the rest of his life." Brondel said, "We found him to be a well rounded individual exceedingly qualified to receive a scholarship."
Cardinal High School teachers Ben Clutter and Danielle Moon came to support their students. Clutter says, "Grayson...has always had a love of science and an inquisitive mind...and he loved nature. He's been exceptional and I'm proud of [him]."
Peter Murray, of Chardon, said his connection to the Foundation for Geauga Parks started in the fifth grade when he participated in the Nature Scopes program. He graduated from the Hawken School and will study Marketing & Environmental Science/Biology at Hillsdale College this Fall.
In addition to a full schedule of AP and Honors courses, Peter is an athlete, musician and photographer. He also works at Alpine Valley Ski Resort and serves as a Chardon Day Camp counselor. An outdoorsman, Peter loves to fish and visit national parks and is a poultry farmer. He has done field work and on-site research in Honduras as part of an Honors Marine Biology course, and a Utah National Parks Intensive course including a 12-day camping trip to 6 National Parks that included hiking, canyoneering, geology and astronomy programs. Peter won 4th Place in the Ohio State History Day Contest – he conducted in-depth historical research and designed a website on the institution of the National Park Service (https://25-27829604.nhdwebcentral.org/).
He wants to work after college at “the intersection of business and nature” focusing on sustainable, green and clean programs.
Marcia Owen, FGP Trustee and Scholarship Committee member, says of Peter Murray, "He sees outdoor play as vital to the development of young minds, physical health, independence and social development. He has grown up in Geauga County...and has developed an intense love of nature and desire to carry it forward. He exemplifies the mission of the Foundation for Geauga Parks."
Samuel Gdovichin, of Middlefield, credited his family’s involvement with Geauga Parks for his love of the outdoors. He graduated from Cardinal High School and will study environmental science and watershed science at Heidelberg University this Fall.
In addition to being an athlete, Samuel participates in many outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, and snowboarding. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has received North Atlantic Conference All-Academic First team honors. He has a history of work in service jobs and was selected for several leadership seminars.
He hopes to complete an internship in Cuyahoga County that leads to a job after college.
Although Sam Gdovichin could not attend, FGP Trustee and Scholarship Committee member Andy Bushman spoke about him saying, "[Being outside] is what his family liked to do. This will help with his career in water management and environmental science. He is always outdoors...and is committed to the conservation aspect and making sure nature is secure in our future."
Davidson says, "With students like these stepping forward, the future of conservation in Geauga County is in good hands." The scholarships are funded by generous donors to the Foundation for Geauga Parks.
