New scholarship supports agriculture

NORTH EAST, Md: The Cecil College Foundation has announced the establishment of the Cecil Soil Conservation District Edgar “Duty” Hevelow Memorial Scholarship, created to support students pursuing careers in natural resources and conservation.

The $3,500 scholarship honors the legacy of Edgar “Duty” Hevelow, a longtime advocate for agriculture and conservation in Cecil County. The scholarship will provide ongoing support to local students pursuing studies in environmental and agricultural fields at Cecil College.

“This scholarship was established in part to spark greater interest in agricultural studies and expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in conservation and environmental stewardship,” said Cecil Soil Conservation District Coordinator Tracey L. Rach.

Hevelow served on the Cecil Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors from 1972 to 2013, dedicating more than four decades to advancing conservation practices and supporting the agricultural community. His work with the district spanned nearly his entire 60-year farming career.

Among his many contributions, Hevelow encouraged landowners to collaborate on a drainage relief project that helped address severe flooding concerns in the Warwick-Cecilton community. He also played a key role in educational outreach and in construction activities for conservation. In the early 1990s, Hevelow became the first farmer in the Delmarva region to install a series of water and sediment control basin structures that continue to function today.

Throughout his career, Hevelow implemented numerous best management practices on his farm, including grassed waterways, grade stabilization structures, sediment control ponds, and stream crossings. These efforts helped demonstrate the value of conservation-focused farming practices and left a lasting impact on the region.

The new scholarship will support Cecil County residents pursuing programs related to natural resources and conservation, including agricultural and environmental studies. Eligible students must be residents of Cecil County and pursue coursework in a conservation-related field such as Agricultural Sciences, Horticultural Science, or Ecology.

Cecil College offers several programs aligned with these fields. The Agricultural Sciences Associate of Applied Science degree includes concentrations in Agriculture and Agribusiness and prepares students for careers in farming, agricultural business, and environmental management or transfer to a four-year institution. The Associate of Science Biological Sciences provides students with concentrations in Biology or Environmental Science.

The College also offers two certificate programs related to the agricultural and natural resources industries. The Horticultural Science Certificate prepares graduates for careers in landscaping, nurseries, garden centers, and grounds maintenance. The Equine Studies Certificate focuses on horse care and management.

The Cecil Soil Conservation District works closely with educators as a resource for agricultural classes and community initiatives such as Ag Day in Cecil County. The district sponsors three scholarships supporting local students through partnerships with Cecil County Public Schools, the Cecil County School of Technology, and Cecil College, and works with organizations such as the Upper Bay Ruritan Club to support agricultural education.

Those interested in supporting this scholarship and helping transform the lives of Cecil County students can make a tax-deductible gift to the Cecil College Foundation. For more information or to donate, visit cecil.edu/donate or contact the Cecil College Foundation at foundation@cecil.edu.