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 30th Calvert Award was presented to Lizzie Wilson, from Souderton, Pennsylvania, an eleventh grade student at Souderton Area High School. Her project was entitled, “The Effect of Milkweed Variety on Growth of Monarch Larvae.”  Her project was selected from among insect-related science projects presented at the annual Delaware Valley Science Fairs held April 1 at the Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. Judges included Hal White, Greg Cowper, and Isa Betancourt.

          Three other students received recognition for their insect-related science projects. Prize winners included Ian Clark, (second place), ninth grade student from Landenberg, PA, who studied, “Scorpions’ Photo-Phobia.” He was interested in what colors of light scorpions avoid. Zia Reed (third place), an eighth grade student from Orefield. PA, received recognition for her project on, “Robo Roach.” Her project involved using an app connected to Cockroach antennae that could control whether they turn right or left.  Rowan Kelly of Coatesville, PA, received honorable mention for his project, Can Meal Worms (Tenebrio molitor) Live on Styrofoam?” He found meal worms can eat, digest, and grow on styrofoam.  

            The awardees were honored at the Calvert Award ceremonies held April 27 in the library of Drexel University's Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Hal White, provided a brief biography of Philip P. Calvert. Dr. Jamie Cromartie, president of the American Entomological Society presented the students with checks, certificates of accomplishment, and memberships in the American Entomological Society. Isa Betancourt was the featured speaker talking on, "Philadelphia to Borneo: Insect Photography on Two Continents."

Lizzie Wilson discusses her First Place Project at the Calvert Award Ceremony, April 27, 2016, with Carl and Rosemary Livingston, at the Academy of Natural Science of Philadelphia. The  Livingstons are parents of Margot Livingston, the first Calvert Awardee 30 years ago.	Ian Clark displays his Calvert Prize runner-up project .
Zia Reed displays her Calaverd Award third place project.	Rowan Kelly displays his Calvert Award Honorable mention project.
Members of the American Entomological Society listen to Isa Betancourt's presentation in the library of Drexel Universiy's Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, April 27, 2016.