It is with the utmost sadness we share some terrible news about a remarkable young man’s passing, Michael “Jake” Burkhardt from Waymart in Wayne County.

Jake was killed in a car accident Monday night January 25, near Keystone College where he was a freshman.

Jake was the 2015 Audubon Society Environmental Scholarship recipient and a volunteer at Lacawac Sanctuary. Because of his love of the environment, nature and animals, he was highly recommended to SEEDS to be a part of our summer energy assessment program, and Jake was a perfect fit!

Not only did he do a great job learning all the requirements of the energy assessment program, but he was wonderful with all the families that he met. He was a happy, upbeat, energetic young man, and also a terrific partner to the other students on the program. Jake showed unusual thoughtfulness and kindness. Jake was studying wildlife biology.

Our hearts and prayers are with his family. Memorial contributions can be made to Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary road, Lake Ariel, PA 18436. 

Jake’s passing is a loss for our entire community. This was a remarkable young man.

We remember. . .

Jake having fun at Dessin Animal Shelter during the SEEDS assessment.

Jake in the center with his Energy Assessment team mates, Kyle McDermott and Ally Mosomillo.

Jake was the 2015 Audubon Society Scholarship winner. Also pictured are Chris Weigand, left, Scholarship Committee Co-Chair and Northeast PA Audubon Society President Sarah Hall-Bagdonas