Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains (FBRM) presented the Jane Pratt Blue Ridge Mountains Education Award to LVHS senior Samantha Iliff at Loudoun Valley High School's "Evening of Honors" on June 4, 2015. The Award, established in 2014 in memory of founding FBRM member Dr. Jane Pratt, is bestowed upon a graduating senior who is: Currently enrolled in or has completed an environmental studies/biological sciences program with a B grade average or better; Demonstrates a clear commitment to environmental stewardship through participation in school projects, internships, and community activities; Has performed a minimum of 8 hours of volunteer service during their senior year working directly on projects on the Blue Ridge Mountains sponsored by FBRM or like-minded environmental organizations, and; Receives unanimous endorsement to receive the Award from representatives of the High School and FBRM.

Samantha's commitment to environmental issues includes working to improve the ecosystem on the Chapman Demary trail and volunteering on the Nature Generation Trail. Additionally, she won Science Fair awards for her project, "The effects of coliphage T4r+ on decontamination of streams infected with Escherichia coli". Her senior environmental project included hiking several days on the Appalachian Trail with her mother (who is currently through-hiking the AT) and assisting others on the trail. Samantha will continue her studies at Florida Atlantic University Honors College this fall and looks forward to studying issues that will support her strong interest in the environment.

Jed Shilling, husband of the late Dr. Pratt and FBRM Board member, presented the award to Samantha. This year FBRM also presented the "Jane Pratt Blue Ridge Mountains Education Award" to Jefferson County High School (West Virginia) senior, Michael Long. Graduating high school seniors in the FBRM project area (Jefferson, Clarke, Loudoun, Fauquier, and Rappahannock counties) are eligible for the award, which includes a framed certificate and $1,000 scholarship toward college tuition. The future certainly looks bright when young adults like Samantha and Michael appreciate and are willing to commit themselves to maintaining and preserving our beautiful environment.

Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a local non-profit 501(c)(3) environmental organization dedicated to preserving, enhancing, and celebrating the Blue Ridge at a time when it is threatened by encroaching development. For more information please visit: www.FriendsofBlueRidge.org