Reid Evans Menzer
Reid collecting organisms in the vicinity of Dead Man's Island, Pensacola Bay, Florida.
Reid Evans Menzer was the son of Eric and Kendall Menzer and the grandson of Robert and Sara Lee Menzer. Reid lost his life at the age of 14 as a result of a skate-boarding accident. This award is established as a memorial in recognition of his devotion to various aspects of environmental science. One of his early gift requests was for a microscope so he could examine the detailed characteristics of the various specimens he collected in the streams and ponds in the environs of his Pennsylvania home. He wrote, "My favorite slide is insect legs, seeing the hairs and structures of all kinds of insects." A terrarium in Reid's room always held various creatures: anoles, turtles, snakes, etc. He never tired of exploring the bayou, marsh, and bay near his grandparents' home in Florida. Reid's future education may very well have included participation in the MEES Program.