Lynn Davis Scholarship Personal Statement – Cole Abbott (Christiansburg High School, Christiansburg, VA)
My Passion for Preservation
My passion for preserving our region’s unique culture and natural beauty began during wilderness
expeditions as an Eagle Scout. During our 108 Mile Challenge along the Appalachian Trail, I
witnessed both the breathtaking landscapes and their vulnerability. These experiences taught me
about the delicate balance between human activity and nature.
My SCUBA certification deepened this appreciation as underwater ecosystems revealed nature’s
elegant solutions to complex problems, sparking my interest in biomimicry – emulating nature’s
patterns for sustainable innovation. Through independent reading and observations during Scout
expeditions, I’ve seen how natural systems operate with minimal waste and remarkable efficiency.
Our region’s cultural traditions demonstrate a similar harmony between creativity and natural
resources. The Crooked Road music heritage trail and Floyd Friday Night Jamboree exemplify how
Appalachian music connects people to place and history. As a musician in marching band and with
Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, I’ve experienced how arts celebrate our heritage while
uniting communities.
My Potential Impact for the Future
In college, I hope to explore how biomimicry principles could address sustainability challenges. As
an aspiring mechanical engineer, I’m interested in technologies that might work in harmony with
natural systems. By studying nature’s approach to resource management, I could discover ways to
contribute to more sustainable practices in our region.
I plan to stay connected with my Scout troop, sharing knowledge about environmental stewardship
with younger Scouts. These connections to both community and nature could help me develop a
more holistic understanding of preservation challenges and potential solutions.
Educational, Career, and Volunteer Goals
For education, I’m interested in studying Mechanical Engineering with coursework in sustainable
design. During my undergraduate years, I hope to learn about local environmental challenges and
possibly participate in research connecting engineering with preservation.
Career-wise, I want to explore paths where I can apply sustainability principles to real-world
problems. I hope to find opportunities where technical skills could support conservation efforts in
our region.
My volunteer goals include continuing environmental conservation and education service when I
can. Building on my 107 hours with Boy Scouts and activities with Key Club and PTSA, I hope to find
opportunities to continue. I know college will take a lot of time so those hopes may have to be
delayed until I graduate and have the time and resources to re-engage as an adult leader rather
than a youth participant.