2020 Award

Matthew Soiland of Purcellville, who will attend Virginia Tech College of Engineering and was awarded $1,500 for his exceptional essay, noted that, “Being the honored recipient of the 2020 Jane Pratt & Jed Shilling Blue Ridge Mountains Educational Scholarship will be instrumental in helping me to take advantage of the exciting internship and experiential learning opportunities offered to Engineering students at Virginia Tech, especially those that use emerging technologies to improve infrastructure, promote ecological sustainability and enhance the quality of life in underserved communities across the globe.  This scholarship will not only help me to achieve my career goals and balance my life-long learning, but it will enable me to make positive contribution to society and lay a path for me to use my talents to pay your generosity forward to future generations.”

Ava Kalina of Hamilton, who will attend Miami University (Ohio) where she plans to pursue Sustainable Development and Non-profit studies, received $1,000 award.  She stated in her essay, “…receiving this education will help me work towards the goal of preserving beautiful resources, while pushing forth human innovation.  I believe that development is necessary for human survival, happiness, and a solid economy, but it always comes at a grave cost, one that the environmental has to pay.  Through research and other opportunities provided at Miami I hope to find ways to help underdeveloped communities thrive, while serving the environment.”

Elliot James Petersen of Hamilton, who will attend Northern Virginia Community College, received $500 award in recognition of his volunteer efforts in restoration and enhancement at Purcellville’s Chapman DeMary Trail.  He stated, “I have loved the Blue Ridge mountains from my childhood.  Growing up in Leesburg the Blue Ridge mountains were never more than a Saturday’s drive away.  As a kid I adored the outdoors.  Instead of video games I loved spending time in my local forests and trails.  In fact, one of the first things I ever remember getting for Christmas was a field guide for Virginia birds and a pair of binoculars.  With my childhood hero being John James Audubon I was overjoyed.”