Honorable Mention – Anthony Rousak (Sussex Technical High School)
"How the Values of Environmental Stewardship from the Abrahamic Religions can be Demonstrated through a Community Garden"

Anthony Shepherd Rousak lives in Lewes, Delaware, with his parents. He volunteers for several organizations – Helping And Lending Outreach Support of Charleston, the Red Scarf Project, Stockings for Soldiers, Delaware Hospice Festival of Trees, and Children and Families First. He is also involved in the Sussex County HAMFEST (ham radio). Anthony is currently a member of the National Honor Society, the National Technical Honor Society, and the Sussex Technical High School Bowling Club. He attends Sussex Technical High School, a county-wide school in Georgetown, where his major is electronics. Next year, Anthony would like to incorporate stewardship principles as part of his Senior Technical Exhibition of Mastery project.

Essay Abstract: For thousands of years, people have been searching for a balance among religion, the human spirit, and the natural world.  For example, the three Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have taught a valuing of the environment as a method of connecting with God.  Within this connection, these religions espouse the idea/ideal of humans’ having a responsibility to be good stewards, or careful managers, of the environment of Earth.  Environmental stewardship actively supervises and engages in plans not only to prevent ecological losses, but also to provide maintenance of this planet, on which humans, and other living organisms, must not merely survive but live and thrive.  In the Bible, “Genesis 2:15 states ‘And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.’” 1  Similarly, “The world is green and beautiful and Allah has appointed you his guardian over it…”2 was a value taught by the prophet Muhammad.  Thus, humans are responsible for the stewardship of the entire of the world. 

On the value of the Children of Abraham project: “Being able to participate in the FFC essay contest was an incredible experience.  This contest has helped increase my knowledge of the three Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.  I now have a better understanding of the main values of these religions, and how each promotes stewardship of the environment.  This contest has also introduced me to several people who have interesting views on religion, society, and the world.  Participating in this essay has allowed me to broaden my horizons and see how I, as a person, can protect the ecological world and promote religion tolerance.  As I said in my interview for the award ceremony, this contest was truly amazing.”

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