Pam Bent Conservation Award
Established in memory of Pam Bent, this award honours promising students in natural environment programs at Sault College who exemplify academic success, leadership and a dedication to conservation.
About the Award
This annual award goes to a Sault College student in a School of Natural Environment program who demonstrates good leadership skills, good academic achievement, is a global thinker, and demonstrates a passion above and beyond the program expectations.
The award is in memory of Pam Bent, a seasonal resident in the Desbarats area who had a passion for education and nature. Pam taught for many years in Denver independent schools including Graland School, Colorado Academy and St. Mary's Academy. Beloved by her students, she introduced women's lacrosse to many in the state and was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. Pam was an avid birder as demonstrated by her life list of 524 species.
Sault College’s School of Natural Environment has several programs, including:
Adventure Recreations and Parks Technician
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Technician
Forestry Technician
Natural Environment Technician
Natural Resources and Environmental Enforcement
2025 - Luis Antonio Freitas
2024 - Shacynne Anne Sarroza
2023 - Justin Kreller
2022 - Chris Lee
2021 - Melanie Arthur
2020 - Justin Keszei
2019 - to be added
2018 - Ruth Joseph
2024 Pam Bent Conservation Award recipient Shacynne Anne Sarroza along with Executive Director Carter Dorscht
Recipients
“Receiving the Pam Bent Conservation Award represents recognition of all my efforts to maintain good academic achievement throughout the entire program, along with various volunteer involvements.” - Luis Antonio Freitas, 2025 recipient
Since 2018, we have awarded $8,000 to deserving students to help them further their education.
"Receiving this award motivates me to continue to work hard and put forth my best effort. It has been a great experience reattending college later in life and I am truly happy with the decision I had made to move to the Sault and begin my career in the Natural Environment. I sincerely appreciate your support to myself, and to Sault College, and for the recognition I have received." - Chris Lee, 2022 recipient
2025 Pam Bent Conservation Award recipient Luis Antonio Freitas along with Executive Director Carter Dorscht
Award’s Impact
This award is made possible thanks to the very generous bequest left by Pam Bent, whose lasting commitment as a Legacy Circle Member continues to support our work.