The Kiwanis Club of Roanoke is pleased to announce that Kai Alexander Weiss of Salem is this year’s winner of the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke’s $5,000 environmental scholarship. Mr. Weiss is a Salem High School graduate and a rising junior majoring in Forestry at Virginia Tech. He will be given the award at the Wednesday, June 17 meeting of the Kiwanis Club at Charter Hall in the Roanoke Market Building.
Each year, a $5,000 scholarship is awarded by the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke to a student who has attended a high school in the Roanoke region and who is attending Virginia Tech, Ferrum College, Hollins University, or Roanoke College and majoring or pursuing a graduate degree in environmental protection or natural resource management.
Award criteria include financial need, academic performance, experience in environmental protection or natural resources management, and goals after graduation.
While studying, Mr. Weiss works as an undergraduate researcher during the school year and at a local restaurant during academic breaks. This scholarship will help alleviate some of the financial burden of tuition and rent and allow him to save money to purchase a vehicle. Mr. Weiss is an exemplary student who has received special honors in dendrochronology.
He has experienced environmental protection firsthand by working two undergraduate research projects; the first focusses on using fungi as a biological control for the invasive autumn-olive, and the second is a study on how a warming climate affects development of red spruce saplings.
Upon graduation in the spring of 2028, Mr. Weiss intends to work in timber procurement within the Appalachian region. “| am drawn to this area and proud to call it home. My goal is to remain here to ensure that timber is harvested sustainably and that landowners receive fair compensation for the natural resources that they sacrifice for the manufacturing of everyday goods.
About the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke
The Kiwanis Club of Roanoke is a community service organization in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia that serves the needs of children, the older adults, and the environment. Our Club provides funds and sweat equity to over 25 charitable organizations, Key Clubs at area high schools, and the Phoenix Star AKtion Club for adults with special needs. At the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke you can fulfill your desire to serve the community and build friendships that will last a lifetime. All are welcome to join or participate in programs. The Kiwanis Club of Roanoke is one of the largest and most active of the 15,000 worldwide Kiwanis clubs. It meets in Charter Hall on the third floor of the Roanoke City Market Building and guests are welcome at its midday Wednesday meetings. The Kiwanis Club of Roanoke has been serving the Roanoke community for over 100 years.
