Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains (FBRM), a 501(c)(3) non-profit environmental organization dedicated to preserving, enhancing, and celebrating the Blue Ridge Mountains, is pleased to announce the awarding of the "Jane Pratt Blue Ridge Mountains Education Award" to a graduating High School Senior in our 5-county project area (Loudoun, Clarke, Fauquier, and Rappahannock, in VA., and Jefferson, WV). The Award, established in 2014 in memory of founding FBRM member Dr. Jane Pratt is bestowed upon graduating seniors who are: Currently enrolled in or have completed an environmental studies/biological sciences program with a B grade average or better; Demonstrate a clear commitment to environmental stewardship through participation in school projects, internships, and community activities; Have 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; Receive unanimous endorsement to receive the Award from representatives of the High School and FBRM.

This year's honoree is Zach Klonicke, a graduating senior from Loudoun Valley High School who will be attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in the Fall. Zach was nominated by Mr. Liam McGranaghan, Environmental Studies teacher. In his essay Zach stated: "My teacher, Mr. McGranaghan, and I visited the Blackburn Appalachian Trail Center in Round Hill, Virginia. Upon hiking ten minutes and witnessing a breathtaking overlook, I knew this to be a natural resource we as a people must protect. Having lived in Philadelphia for the first thirteen years of my life, I was used to looking to the horizon and seeing aesthetically polluted landscapes, complete with tall buildings and plentiful condominium complexes. Now living in Virginia, my entire paradigm of the natural world has shifted. No longer do I know a life of environmental ignorance, but instead, a deep appreciation for what nature selflessly offers. The childlike wonder I experienced while walking through the woods, learning from a man whose knowledge far surpasses mine, distilled in me a desire to preserve and protect this resource for others to experience......I look forward to advancing my knowledge of environmental stewardship.....I see it as an opportunity to surround myself with like-minded individuals and further my knowledge of both local and global environmental concerns."

Mr. McGranaghan also expressed: "...my thanks and appreciation to Friends of the Blue Ridge for their generous support of our local mountains and ecosystems through the scholarships they offer our students. Zach will make a good environmental steward and your support of his college fund will go a long way in making that happen. Thanks too for allowing me to be part of that process."

The award consists of $1,000 scholarship toward college tuition and a framed certificate, awarded to Zach at Loudoun Valley High School's Awards Assembly. The future certainly looks bright when young adults like Zach, and teachers such as Mr. McGranaghan, appreciate and are willing to dedicate themselves to, maintaining and preserving our beautiful mountain environment.

For more information about FBRM: www.friendsofblueridge.org