2026 INDIAN PONDS ASSOCIATION AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS
The IPA is pleased to announce two 2026 IPA scholarship recipients: Justin Solgovic from Hyannis and Riley Hickey from Marstons Mills. Each will be presented their scholarships in the amount of $1,000 at the 2026 Annual Meeting on July 26. There were 12 highly qualified applicants, and the scholarship committee (Marty Roberts, Kelly Barber, Dave Gorrill, and chair Tom Odjakjian) had a very challenging assignment in deciding whom to select.
Justin Solgovis
Justin Solgovic, a senior at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, will receive the Edward Schwarm Scholarship. The Hyannis native plans to attend the Massachusetts Maritime Academy where he also has been selected for the Admiral’s Award and will major in marine engineering. He is passionate about environmental protections, sustainability, green technologies, and compliance with marine regulations. After college, Justin plans to remain in the area and work in a career that will protect the ocean and inland waters. He cherishes his memories of Hamblin Pond and Mystic Lake, the herring run, as well as tidal flats and salt marshes. He is an avid fisherman and earned a sailing scholarship from the Hyannis Yacht Club, where he was selected as the HYC’s Most Improved ILCA/Laser Sailor in 2024. In addition, at Cape Tech, Justin was a member of the National Technical Honor Society, while playing varsity ice hockey (captain and Hobey Baker Character Award) and baseball (MVP); in addition he played for the U18 Cape Cod Threshers travel hockey team. Justin also is currently serving as an HVAC and plumbing apprentice for the Carl Riedell & Son company in Osterville. His HVACR instructor at CC Tech wrote that Justin was reliable, professional, dependable, and distinguished himself with his consistency and technical precision. R
Riley Hickey
Riley Hickey, senior at Barnstable High School, will receive the Emory and Geri Anderson Scholarship She is from Marstons Mills and will attend the University of New Hampshire, pursue a double major in wildlife and marine biology, and follow up with a master’s in environmental science. While enjoying the Indian Ponds, she learned about the threat of cyanobacteria, and thus made studying honors environmental science and marine biology at BHS her focus. Her class at BHS provided opportunities to collect water samples at the Indian Ponds and to count herring at Middle Pond, which is her favorite pond, since the water is so clean and clear. Riley’s goal is to return to the Cape, with extensive knowledge, to ensure that the Indian Ponds and other local ponds remain vibrant and clear for generations to come. A member of both the National Honor Society and Math National Honor Society, Riley was active in her school’s Marine Biology Club, and served an internship with Cape Wildlife Center, where she assisted veterinarians in rehabilitating injured and sick wildlife. Riley’s BHS marine educator said she is an “immensely promising young scientist”. In addition to the above, she also volunteered extensively many hours with Scouting America, Education Pathway, Mass Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Gender * Sexual Alliance Club, and as a staff writer for the BHS newspaper.
​Indian Ponds Association offers two scholarships, the first established in memory of Edward Schwarm, and a second inhonor of Emory and Geri Anderson so their environmental legacy could be honored and remembered. Their remarkablecontributions to the mission of the Indian Ponds Association and dedication to the health of our three ponds havebenefited all who live around the lakes.These scholarships continue to remind new generations that problems, no matter how difficult and daunting, can besolved in a cooperative, meaningful way. May the recipients of these awards live their lives as impactful as those ofEdward Schwarm, Emory Anderson and Geri Anderson.Winners are selected on the basis of their interest in environmental science, academic achievements, extra-curricularactivities, and community service. Each recipient receives their $1000 award at the annual IPA meeting in July. We thank the generous donors who have contributed to the scholarship fund.
IPA Scholarships
EMORY & GERI ANDERSON SCHOLARSHIP -
established in 2022
​Emory and Geri spent decades working on educating pond residents about the science behind the water quality of our three ponds. In 2001, Emery led the charge to stop the proposed dropping of the level of Middle Pond by 1.6 feet for the herring run. Geri took on the role of editor for the Indian Pond Newsletter, Vol. 1 No. 1 which she continued for another 10 years. Emory served on the IPA board for 12 years and as President for 10 of those years. Emory and Geri were active advocates and participants in many lake and pond projects. Including a three-year collaborative study of the three Indian Ponds with the Cape Cod Commission and the Town of Barnstable, the first alum treatment in Mystic Lake, and removal of the invasive species loosestrife and gray willow. Emory has authored numerous letters and testified at hearings with the Town Council and Conservation Commission regarding both the need for an alum treatment on Mystic Lake and the IPA’s concerns over the dangers of helical piles as a foundation for temporary docks.
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In 2018, Emory took on the responsibility of testing the water in Mystic Lake and Middle Pond. This testing happens every two weeks from May to October and will continue, in Emory’s words: “As long as I am able.” The accumulation of this data is critical to the understanding of the current conditions of the ponds and highlights any significant changes in those conditions.