Title Image

scholarship Tag

Waterfowl Festival Opens Applications for the William A. Perry Scholarship

Easton, Maryland — February 27, 2026 — The Waterfowl Festival is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the William A. Perry Scholarship. Each year, students from across the region who have generously volunteered their time with the Festival are invited to apply for academic support through the William A. Perry Scholarship Fund.

The scholarship recognizes the dedication and enthusiasm of the young volunteers who are essential to the enduring legacy of the Festival. Established in honor of Festival co-founder William A. Perry and his wife, Betty Perry, the fund reflects their longstanding commitment to community involvement and educational advancement.

The William A. Perry Scholarship Fund provides financial support to students pursuing postsecondary education, trade school certification, or graduate studies.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must be a high school senior or currently enrolled in an accredited college, trade school, or graduate program.
  • Applicants must have contributed a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer service to the Waterfowl Festival.
  • Volunteer service must have occurred within two years prior to submission of the scholarship application.

Completed applications must be submitted no later than April 15, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be notified of their acceptance no later than June 15, 2026.

The Waterfowl Festival proudly accepts volunteers year-round and encourages students interested in community service to get involved.

For additional information or questions regarding the scholarship application process, please contact Annie Miller at or call 410-822-4567.

###

About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

The Waterfowl Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Historic Trust, the Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and all of our incredible community partners including the hundreds of volunteers that make all the magic happen. 

Image courtesy Waterfowl Festival

2025 scholarship recipients pictured: Robert Norbury, Liam Swadley, Executive Director Deena Kilmon, Charlie Kaminskas, Billy Haufe

Waterfowl Festival 2024 Perry Scholarships Total $24,000

Waterfowl Festival, Inc. awarded more than $24,000 in scholarships this spring to 14 of its student volunteers – affectionately known as “Ducksitters.” The 2024 William A. Perry Scholarship recipients are Bree Haufe, Billy Haufe, Cole Paradine, Jack Townsend, Joshua Sherwood, Caeden Harrison, Charles Kaminskas, Robert Norbury, Ashton Milhollan, Pippa Milhollan, Brian Milhollan, Catherine Cronan.

Each student received awards this year totalling $2000 in recognition of their exceptional service to the Waterfowl Festival throughout the year. Involvement in the festival supports the children’s education in the conservation space, and it is hoped that their experiences will create future opportunities for them to step up as environmental stewards as they continue their education and lives. The Ducksitter program has been a part of the festival for decades and is a beloved tradition open to all local students. 

The Perry Scholarships were established in 1997 in honor of Bill Perry, one of the Waterfowl Festival’s founders. The awards are available to students who volunteer their time to the Festival either at the event or throughout the year.

Proceeds from the Festival’s well-loved Cocktail Decoy Auction, organized each year by the Perry family, fund the scholarships. Miniature carvings are donated by artists and auctioned off during the Premier Night Party, to be held this year on Thursday, Nov. 7.

The 53rd Annual Waterfowl Festival will be held in Easton Nov. 8,9,10, 2024. Want to be a 2024 Ducksitter?  Please contact the Waterfowl Festival office at 410-822-4567 or visit our website, www.waterfowlfestival.org.

Image: Ducksitters and Webster, the Waterfowl Goose

###

About the Waterfowl Festival: Located in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay region known for its stunning landscapes and abundant waterfowl populations, the Waterfowl Festival has grown to be a cherished tradition, attracting visitors from across the nation and around the globe. Its commitment to conservation, community, and cultural enrichment makes it a vital event for anyone interested in preserving our natural world for future generations. For more information, please visit WaterfowlFestval.org.

( function ( body ) { 'use strict'; body.className = body.className.replace( /\btribe-no-js\b/, 'tribe-js' ); } )( document.body );