Berkeley Community Pride, Inc., has awarded its annual scholarship through the Shepherd University Foundation to junior Trey Knepper of Hedgesville, and senior Steven Schoepe of Martinsburg. This year, the civic-minded organization awarded $1,000 to Eastern Panhandle students who major in environmental studies, maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and participate in community and/or campus service.

Berkeley Community Pride, Inc., was started more than six years ago to reduce litter, encourage community-wide recycling and educate area youth on the importance of responsible use of resources. One of the major thrusts of the organization is the focus on education. The Berkeley Community Pride Scholarship was established in May 2009.

“Our goal is to educate the public regarding the need to take care of our environment and to encourage recycling,” said Berkeley Community Pride’s Bill Fiery in a press release. “To that end, we do all we can to reward young people who share our goals and ideals. Trey and Steven are doing just that, and we are happy to assist in their education.”

Several students in Shepherd’s environmental studies program compete for the award each year. The application process includes a written essay in which students discuss their choice of community service in addition to how the award will benefit them.

Both recipients are grateful to Berkeley Community Pride for their award.

“Any aid helps tremendously with all costs associated with tuition, textbooks, and gas,” Knepper said.

“College is expensive, and any financial assistance is greatly appreciated,” Schoepe said. “Being recognized with this scholarship helps motivate me to continue my academic excellence.”

For more information about the Berkeley Community Pride Scholarship or to establish a scholarship through the Shepherd University Foundation, please contact Monica Lingenfelter, Shepherd University Foundation, P.O. Box 5000, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443-5000, 304-876-5397, mlin genf@shepherd.edu or visit www.shepherd.edu/fndtnweb.photo, cut at www.shepherd.edu/university/releases/2011/communitypride.html