Congratulations to Paige O’Shaughnessy, the 2026 recipient of the Robin Hopkins Amper Environmental Scholarship! A graduate of Shoreham-Wading River High School, Paige is now attending the University of Michigan with the end goal of becoming a biology teacher. Paige has been recognized by Newsday for work supporting the New York Cancer & Blood Specialists. Such a charitable spirit is perfect for someone wishing to support future generations as a teacher.
We at the Society wish Paige nothing but the best, and congratulate her once again for her outstanding achievements!
Robin Hopkins Amper Environmental Scholarship Application
Robin Hopkins Amper was a steadying force for Long Island Pine Barrens protection. Robin, alongside her husband, Richard Amper, formed a team whose contributions to Long Island’s environment were immeasurable. Robin was 72 and died after a four-year battle with metastatic breast cancer, in April of 2019.
In 2020, the Long Island Pine Barrens Society’s Board of Directors established a scholarship in her name, for Long Island residents who are committed to the environment, much the way Robin was. Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in environmental studies and sciences, biology, ecology, sustainability, public policy, and land and water protection are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Students may attend any accredited college in the U.S.
For 2026, high school seniors who will be college freshmen in Fall 2026 are eligible to apply. Long Island Pine Barrens Society employees, their relatives and board members are not eligible.
Criteria for selecting the awardee are as follows:
- Academic achievement (minimum 3.0 GPA and above average SAT/ACT scores) (6 points)
- Personal essay (4 points)
- Volunteer/
extracurricular activities (4 points) - Letters of reference (two academic and one personal) (3 points)
- Financial need (3 points)
Scholarships will be in the amount of $5,000. The awardee is required to maintain the eligible major and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
This year’s application deadline was July 17th. Applications are now closed.
The awardees will be notified by August 14, 2026. A student is eligible for the scholarship one time only.
Interested and eligible students may apply at Robin Hopkins Amper Environmental Scholarship portal. Once at the portal site, students will need to create an account. Enter the access code LRHAMS to reach the application and apply.
The Robin Hopkins Amper Enviro
Please feel free to email Nina Leonhardt at ninaaleonhardt@gmail.com should you have any questions.
