In 1987, the American Entomological Society initiated the Calvert Award to be presented to a young person who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in insect-related study. The Award is named in honor of Dr. Philip P. Calvert who joined the Society as a teenager, later became its president, and was a member for 74 years. As Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania and an Associate of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Dr. Calvert played an important role in stimulating an interest in insects among young people.

This year, the eighteenth Calvert Award was presented to Brady Rollins of Newark, Delaware, a student at the Towle Institute, Hockessin. Her project was entitled, “Terminating Termites.” Ms. Rollin’s interest in termites arose from a visit to the Department of University of Delaware. Her project was selected from among about 20 insect-related science projects presented at the annual  Delaware Valley Science Fairs held on April 7 at the Expo Center in Fort Washington, PA.

Brady Rollins with her Award-Winning Science Project on Terminating Termites.

Susan Whitney King, President of the American Entomological Society, presents Brady Rollins with the 2004 Calvert Award. Brady's father Brooke looks on.

Sam Spoor, a seventh grade student at Woodlyn Christian School in Woodlyn, Pennsylvania, was first runner up with another insect repellant project, "Battling Mosquitoes.” Sam’s project arose from his interest in reducing the number of mosquitoes breeding around his home.

Sam Spoor, first runner up in the Calvert Award competition, displayed his science project on controling mosquitoes  at the American Entomological Society's Meeting in Philadelphia.

Second runner up was Natalie Piger from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and St. Anne’s School for her project on rearing Painted Lady butterflies, “Growing to set free”?

Natalie Piger, Second runner up in the Calvert Award competition, displays her project on raising butterflies.

All three students were honored at the Calvert Award ceremonies held April 28 at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. Susan Whitney, president of the American Entomological Society, presented them with certificates of accomplishment and memberships in the American Entomological Society. Brady also received a $50 check, while Sam received a $25 check, and all received memberships in the Young Entomologists’ Society and the American Entomological Society. The featured speaker for the evening was Sven-Erik Spichiger from  the Pennsylvania Department of Forestry who spoke on Pennsylvania Forest Insects, including 17 year cicadas about to emerge, gypsy moths, and other  insects of interest.