Friends of Haleakalā National Park (FHNP) is pleased to announce the 2026–2027 Don Reeser, Mary Evanson, and Dr. Fern Duvall Memorial Scholarship. Three scholarships of $2,000 each will be awarded to Hawaiʻi students pursuing degrees in conservation, ecology, biology, or related scientific fields connected to the protection of ecosystems such as that of Haleakalā National Park.
Honoring Three Heroes of the Mountain
Each scholarship honors the life work of three individuals whose dedication shaped conservation on Maui and throughout Hawaiʻi:
Don Reeser, Superintendent of Haleakalā National Park from 1988 to 2005, was a steadfast conservationist who championed native habitat restoration and advanced fencing initiatives that protected treasured species such as the nēnē and silversword.
Mary Evanson, co-founder and longtime president of Friends of Haleakalā National Park, devoted decades of volunteer service to the mountain. Her leadership established overnight service trips, launched the Adopt-a-Nēnē program, and built a lasting culture of community stewardship.
Dr. Fern Duvall, ornithologist and wildlife biologist, dedicated his career to the conservation of Hawaiʻi’s endangered species. His work with state agencies and nonprofit partners helped strengthen forest bird recovery efforts and protect native ecosystems from summit to sea.
Through this scholarship, FHNP seeks to encourage future generations in Hawaiʻi nei to carry forward this spirit of mālama ʻāina and scientific stewardship.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
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Be a Hawaiʻi resident
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Be either:
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A graduating high school senior admitted to an accredited college or university for Fall 2026, or
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A continuing college student enrolled in an accredited institution within the United States
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Be pursuing, or planning to pursue, a degree in conservation, ecology, biology, or a related scientific field connected to ecosystem preservation
Application Materials
Each applicant must submit:
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A transcript (official or unofficial) showing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
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Two letters of recommendation addressed to Friends of Haleakalā National Park and referencing the Memorial Scholarship
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A 1,000–1,300 word original essay describing career goals in a scientific field related to biology, environmental conservation, preservation, or ecosystem protection in Hawaiʻi
Essays must be personally written, original, and previously unpublished. AI-generated content is not permitted.
High school applicants must provide confirmation of acceptance into a college or university for Fall 2026. Finalists will be asked to confirm matriculation prior to award distribution.
Deadline and Submission
Completed applications must be received or postmarked by May 15, 2026.
Applications may be submitted:
By email to both andy@fhnp.org and mary@fhnp.org
or by mail to:
Friends of Haleakalā National Park
P.O. Box 322
Makawao, HI 96768
Scholarship recipients will be notified by June 15, 2026. Awardees will be asked to provide a photo and permission to share excerpts of their essays in FHNP publications and media announcements.
Apply
The full application form and detailed instructions are available here: Download the 2026–2027 Scholarship Application
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