The Calvert Award

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Background & Purpose

In March 1986 the Executive Council of the American Entomological Society formed an Education Committee. The objectives of this committee were to explore ways in which the Society could promote interests in insects among young people and to involve more young people in the activities of the Society. In April 1987 the Executive Council approved a proposal to offer an annual award to a young person who displays unusual accomplishments and interest in the area of entomology or insect-related study.

The award to an outstanding young entomologist of the Delaware Valley is called the Calvert Award in honor of Dr. Philip P. Calvert. Calvert displayed unusual accomplishments as a young entomologist and illustrator in Philadelphia a century ago. He had a 74-year association with the Society and held the office of president from 1900-1915. At the age of 18 he contributed to the first issue of Entomological News and continued on as Associate Editor and Editor through 1943. As a member of the Society, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia, and as a professor of biology at the University of Pennsylvania, Philip P. Calvert was committed to entomological education. It is therefore appropriate that the award to an outstanding young entomologist commemorates one of the outstanding entomologists of the early 20th century. A short biography of Calvert as a young entomologist was published in Ent. News 95(4): 155-162 (1984).

Eligibility

Eligibility is limited to precollege students of the greater Delaware Valley who demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in insect-related study, who have not previously received the award, and who are not related to current AES Council members. The practice may be to make the award to the student with the best insect-related project at the annual Delaware Valley Science Fairs but other types of excellence can be honored. Although projects using Drosophila or other commercially available insects will be considered, preference will be given to projects relating to local species and projects demonstrating genuine interest in entomology.

Application Process

Worthy recipients may be identified by the selection committee without prior application. However, to assure consideration, students should apply for the Calvert Award. A completed application should include a detailed description of the project with illustrations of it and at least one supporting letter provided by teacher or sponsor. Ideally the award committee should interview the applicant with his or her project. Application/Nomination forms are available from The American Entomological Society, at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 19th and The Parkway, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.

 

The Award

All recognized students will receive:

  • Certificate of Accomplishment
  • One year membership to The AES
  • Award letter from the President of the Society
  • Copy of the Entomological News - 125th Anniversary edition
  • Entomological book relevant to your interests

Publicity

The recipient will be announced in Entomological News. A press release will be sent to the appropriate local newspaper. If the recipient was a participant in the Delaware Valley Science Fairs, the Director of the Fairs will be notified. Photographs will be taken for the Society records.

Past Winners

You may view a list of past winners here.