State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli (R-37th) presented Natasha A. Bridges, 21, of Lorton with the Arlington-Fairfax Chapter of the Izaak Walton League's annual Environmental Studies Scholarship. The league is located in Centreville.
The scholarship has a value of $12,000; and is presented each year to a high school graduate who will be pursuing a degree in the environmental sciences. This is one way in which the Arlington-Fairfax Chapter honors the Izaak Walton League's pledge to preserve and protect the environment.
The Izaak Walton League is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending the soil, air, woods, waters and wildlife. Cuccinelli, a member of the Arlington-Fairfax Chapter, said he was very impressed with Natasha' accomplishments and goals.
"Natasha is an excellent choice for this scholarship," he said. "Her achievements demonstrate that she will use her education to develop her talents and serve her community."
Natasha will major in environmental studies at the College of William and Mary this fall. She was an Honor Roll student at South County Secondary School and was notable for her community involvement.
The daughter of Alfred and Myra Bridges, Natasha was the founder and president of her school's environmental club for two years. She has been a Friends of the Occoquan volunteer, a Lorton Community Action Center volunteer and a tutor at William Halley Elementary School.
Cuccinelli commended Natasha on her achievements and encouraged her to use the knowledge she gains in college to improve the world around her.
"We are conservationists here," he said. "Natasha has shown that she is a caring and determined young woman. I'm confident that she will use this scholarship well."