Rockfall Foundation Awards Scholarship to Kareena Patel for Together We Sustain Eco-Inspired Mural

The Rockfall Foundation has selected Kareena Patel of Coginchaug Regional High School as recipient of the 2022 Virginia R. Rollefson Environmental Leadership Scholarship.

Patel illustrated her vision for sustainability, equality, and diversity through her inspiring Mandala mural painting, located at Strickland and Middlefield Roads in Middlefield, CT.  Kareena’s design sits on a 25-foot high by a 45-foot long wall displaying a growing mandala emerging from behind a globe. Right above the world is the message, “Together we Sustain.” Under the globe are female hands of different colors, reaching to hold up the world. Her overall goal was to illustrate a hopeful future for the community.

With sustainability her priority and unable to find paints compatible with outdoor materials and the environment, Kareena used her creativity and leadership, to collect community donations and used paint and supplies for the project. Her inspiration also inspired others; neighbors near the project lent her team ladders and other equipment to complete the task of painting the giant wall. Environmental reform that positively impacts society is a passion and priority of Kareena. As a thoughtful and innovative leader, she looks forward to the next rewarding challenge.

Patel will be attending Northeastern University in the fall, and plans to study biology. Congratulations Kareena!

The $1,000 scholarship is awarded each year to recognize leadership and initiative by a high school junior or senior residing in Middlesex County, Lyme, or Old Lyme for a program, project, or activity that benefits preservation, conservation, restoration or environmental education.  Last year’s recipient was Joseph Bradley of Old Saybrook High School, for his efforts to create and lead the Coastal Cleanup Coalition, a group of 20+ regular volunteers who pick up trash around Old Saybrook with a mission of preserving Old Saybrook’s coastal wildlife and ecosystems.

Founded in 1935, The Rockfall Foundation supports environmental education, conservation in the Lower Connecticut River Valley through public programs and grants. The Rockfall Foundation also operates the historic deKoven House Community Center that offers meeting and event room rentals and office space for non-profit organizations.

For additional information about the Virginia R. Rollefson Environmental Leadership Scholarship or The Rockfall Foundation, please visit www.rockfallfoundation.org .