Each year the Culpeper Soil & Water Conservation District awards up to three educational scholarships to students who plan to pursue a career in a conservation-related field. These scholarships are available for eligible students living in the five-county area the Culpeper SWCD serves, consisting of Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock Counties.

Individuals should apply who are full time students enrolled in, or who have applied to, a college undergraduate or graduate program interested in an area of study that supports soil and water conservation, natural resource management, environmental science, or a related field.

In awarding scholarships priority will be given to graduating high school seniors, but undergraduate and graduate students will also be considered. Consideration will be given primarily to achievement and demonstrated interest.

If you have any questions, please call the CSWCD at 540/825-8591.  Applications must be completed and submitted to the CSWCD by April 9th.  

Click here for the Scholarship Application Form.

2010 Scholarship Recipients

Taryn Bierhuizen received $1,000 to attend the University of Virginia in the fall, where she will major in Biology. Taryn was in the top 3% of her class at Eastern View High School. During her time at EVHS, Taryn has been active in Governor’s school, Student Council Association, field hockey and 4-H.

Bonnie Hansen received $500 to attend Brigham Young University in the fall, where she will major in Forestry and Anthropology. Bonnie was in the top 5% of her class at Eastern View High School. During her time at EVHS, Bonnie has been active in the Envirothon program and GREEN club. Bonnie also was an intern with the Virginia Department of Forestry. During June 2010 she will attend Holiday Lake Forestry Camp as a teacher.

Austin Burdick received $500 to attend the University of Virginia in the fall, where he will major in Chemistry. While Austin was a homeschooled student he was active in RappFLOW, polo and was an Eagle Scout. He also helped install and maintain a riparian buffer at the Link in Sperryville and assisted the CSWCD with our 4-H Day Camp class, Creeks and Critters.

Laura Beth Bennett received $500 to continue her studies at Virginia Tech in the fall, where she is a 3^rd year Agriculture student. During her time at Tech, Laura’s activities include the Relay for Life and working as a vet assistant.

Kimberly Evans received $500 to study at Virginia Tech in the fall, where she will major in Animal & Poultry Sciences. Kimberly received an Associate’s degree at Germanna Community College in May. She has been active in 4-H, the Farm show and volunteers at a local food bank.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

2009 Scholarship Recipients

Bailey Bierhuizen received $1,000 to attend Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall, where she will major in Biology. Bailey has been dually enrolled as a high school student and a college student at Lord Fairfax Community College. She graduated from Lord Fairfax in May 2009 with a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree in Science. She has been recognized by 4-H and has competed internationally for precision rifle shooting. Her volunteer activities led to being recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2007 and 2009 for over 250 volunteer hours.

Kimberly Finks received $1,000 to attend Virginia Tech in the fall, where she will major in Animal and Poultry Sciences. Kimberly graduated from Madison County High School in June 2009 with a 3.8 GPA. While attending MCHS, Kimberly participated in marching band, 4-H and dog shows.

Allison Spivey received $500 to continue her studies at Virginia Tech, where she is majoring in Animal and Poultry Sciences. While at Virginia Tech, Allison has been a teaching assistant for the Introductory Animal and Poultry Science Laboratory and has a 3.37 GPA.

Jacob Gilley received $500 to continue his studies at Virginia Tech. He received a B.S. in Animal and Poultry Sciences with a minor in Agricultural and Applied Economics in May 2009. In the fall he will begin pursuing a Master’s degree in Agricultural and Extension Education at Virginia Tech.

2008 Scholarship Recipients

Kyle Dingus received $1,000 to attend Virginia Tech in the fall, where he will major in Recreation Management. Kyle had a GPA of 3.815 and was ranked 68 out of 523 students in his class at Culpeper County High School. During his time at CCHS, Kyle has been active in Trout Unlimited, National Honor Society and the fishing and outdoor clubs.

Mallie Toth received $500 to continue her studies at the University of Virginia in the fall, where her major is Environmental Sciences with a concentration in atmospheric science. Mallie has a GPA of 3.469. During her time at UVA, Mallie’s activities include the UVA Cavalier Weather Service, NOAA Sky Warn Program and Virginia Discovery Museum.

Amanda Weakley received $500 to continue her studies at Virginia Tech in the fall, where her major is Animal & Poultry Science with a concentration in Dairy Science. Amanda has a GPA of 3.52. During her time at Tech, Amanda’s activities include the Virginia Tech Block and Bridle Club, Animal & Poultry Sciences Student Ambassador and National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

2007 Scholarship Recipients

Anna A. Oehser received $1,000 to attend Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, where she is majoring in Environmental Science. Anna had a GPA of 4.0 and was ranked 4 out of 84 students in her class at Rappahannock County High School. During her time at RCHS, Anna was been active in National Honor Society, Student Council Association, Scholastic Bowl and Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection.

Allison J. Spivey received $1,000 to attend Virginia Tech, where she is majoring in Animal & Poultry Science. Allison had a GPA of 4.293 and was ranked 8 out of 142 students at Madison County High School. During her time at MCHS, Allison was been active in 4-H with livestock, sheep, beef and horses.

2006 Scholarship Recipients

Wesley Gilmore Roberts received a $500 scholarship and attends Piedmont Virginia Community College, where his major is Dairy Science. Wesley has a GPA of 3.071 at Orange County High School. During his time at OCHS, Wesley has been active in the 4-H Dairy Club, FFA, National Honor Society and the County livestock club. He has also played on the varsity football team and the wrestling team. Wesley is a 3^rd generation farmer at his family’s dairy, Fairfield View. After PVCC, Wesley plans to transfer to Virginia Tech and then return to the farm.

Katherine Elizabeth Wooten received a $500 scholarship and attends Virginia Tech, where her major is Environmental Science. Katherine has a GPA of 3.967 at Orange County High School. During her time at OCHS, Katherine has been active in Girls Scouts, the Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School, National Honor Society and the Cross Country team. Katherine spent the 2005 summer as an intern with the Student Conservation Association in the aid of the National Park Service at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan. Katherine has also chosen to do a water quality monitoring project, built a raingarden and discussed Chesapeake Bay restoration with her peers.

Sarah Elizabeth Weaver received a $500 scholarship and attends Virginia Tech, where her major is Animal & Poultry Science. Sarah has a GPA of 4.128 at Madison County High School. During her time at MCHS, Sarah has been active in 4-H, FFA, yearbook and Student Council Association. She was elected senior class president by her peers. Sarah is also a 3^rd generation farmer with her own herd of cows and pigs.

Anne-Ashleigh Paige Lamma received a $500 scholarship and attends Christopher Newport University, where her major is Biology. Anne-Ashleigh has a GPA of 3.962 at Rappahannock County High School. During her time at RCHS, Anne-Ashleigh has been active in National Honor Society, Student Council Association, junior varsity softball, junior varsity cheerleading, varsity softball, varsity cheerleading, Girl Scouts, 4-H, SADD and yearbook. Anne-Ashleigh also participated in the RCHS, Piedmont and State science fairs.

2005 Scholarship Recipients