Molly Murray Scholarship Fund applications due June 30

A fund established to honor reporter Molly Murray is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a Kent or Sussex county high school junior or senior who plans to study journalism or the environment. Applications for the scholarship, which is administered by the Greater Lewes Foundation, are being accepted through Saturday, June 30.

The Molly Murray Scholarship Fund was set up by former colleagues to recognize her 40-year career and to continue the invaluable work she did for environmental causes. The renowned News Journal reporter died in July 2017.

Murray was known nationally for her concern for the environment, her journalistic excellence and her ability to describe Delaware’s natural features and threatening issues. She helped readers understand complex problems and solutions affecting Delaware’s fragile coastline, tidal marshes and agricultural lands.

Environmentalists and government officials praised Murray for her knowledge of environmental issues, thorough research, and clear and accurate reporting. Murray also inspired and mentored many younger journalists interested in environmental reporting.

Collin O'Mara, chief executive officer of the National Wildlife Federation and former secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, called Murray "one of the greatest conservation champions Delaware has ever known.”

Students must write an essay of fewer than 500 words about: a personal perspective on Delaware’s most pressing environmental concern; steps each person can take to reduce his or her carbon footprint; or the impact of storms on coastal communities.

Mail essay submissions by June 30 to: Molly Murray Fund, c/o The Greater Lewes Foundation, P.O. Box 802, Lewes, DE 19958.

To donate to the Molly Murray Memorial Scholarship Fund, go to www.greaterlewesfoundation.org/murray.