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 wildernessexpeditions as an Eagle Scout. During our 108 Mile Challenge along the Appalachian Trail, Iwitnessed both the breathtaking landscapes and their vulnerability. These experiences taught meabout…
read more
Lynn Davis Scholarship Personal Statement – Lawson Higgins (Mountain Heritage High School, Burnsville, NC) Growing up in the rural town of Burnsville, NC, I have developed a deep connection to my community. I want to return after college to improve, rebuild, and restore my hometown, particularly by addressing the shortage of affordable housing and improving infrastructure.…
read more
Lynn Davis Scholarship Personal Statement – Nathan Manthey (Nelson County High School, Lovingston, VA) From the day I was born I’ve been deeply immersed in the beauty of nature in the Blue Ridge Mountains. As someone who has lived in Nellysford, VA all my life, I have grown up surrounded by the beautiful rivers and lucious…
read more
Lynn Davis Scholarship Personal Statement – Ethan Edwards (Carroll County High School, Hillsville, VA) In elementary school, I lived off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Groundhog Mountain. When I was six or seven, the forest beside my neighborhood’s development was logged. The company did not replant the trees or build anything in their place; the loggers…
read more
Lynn Davis Scholarship Personal Statement – Aubriana Hytner (Ashe County High School, West Jefferson, NC) There are two types of people in the world. There are people who view the universe and are taken by its astounding beauty and coincidence. Then, there are people who want to understand the explanation behind the whys and hows of…
read more
In recent weeks FRIENDS staff and volunteers have enjoyed attending graduation events throughout North Carolina and Virginia to award 30 Lynn Davis Scholarships. The $1,000 awards are supporting these deserving college-bound students who expressed a desire to use their future degrees to enhance the quality of life in our Blue Ridge region: 2024 Recipients who…
read more
Lynn Davis Scholarship Personal Statement – Zach Grohs (Liberty High School, Bedford, VA) Nature has always been a foundational part of my life. Growing up on a farm and constantly spending time outside has shown me how important our environment is. I have worked on many farms, have a passion for the lake, and have…
read more
Lynn Davis Scholarship Personal Statement – Robbie McCurry My name is Robbie McCurry. I am a passionate outdoorsman, volunteer, and student. I attend Mountain Heritage High School and live in rural Yancey County, North Carolina. Here, I spend as much time as possible enjoying the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For years, I…
read moreSpecial Announcement: The National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway is excited to announce the second annual Project Parkway, a volunteer event combining efforts parkway-wide! We appreciate the dedication and interest you’ve demonstrated to the Parkway, so we want to specially invite YOU to join us for a hands-on workday improving the visitor experience at campgrounds and picnic areas. Where? Along the Entire…
read moreEveryone is welcome for FRIENDS, food, and fun! Free music concert with local bands throughout the day. Come out and help us kick-off the Summer Season on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Thank you to the following breweries for hosting us at their beautiful locations: Blue Mountain BreweryBeale’s, Parkway Brewing Company and Buffalo Mountain Brewery And…
read more