In a heartening acknowledgment of their commitment to environmental stewardship, three graduates from Purcellville high schools have been celebrated with the 2025 Jane Pratt & Jed Shilling Blue Ridge Education Award. Parker Price from Loudoun Valley High School, along with Graydon Berlik and D.J. Bundick from Woodgrove High School, have received this prestigious honor, which includes grants to aid their college pursuits and support their future endeavors as advocates for the environment. Purcellville News: Local Graduates Earn Esteemed Blue Ridge Education Award.
Parker Price, a notable figure at Loudoun Valley High School, founded the Nature & Environmental Club and is an active National Honor Society member. Her passion for the environment earned her an Honorable Mention at the Regional Science Fair, and she regularly volunteers in local community initiatives. Planning to attend Virginia Tech, Parker aims to delve into Ecology and Microbiology, focusing on groundbreaking research in soil bacteria and pollutant-degrading microorganisms.
Graydon Berlik, a committed environmental steward, has contributed over 100 hours volunteering with organizations such as Keep Loudoun Beautiful and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. His work on renewable energy and sustainable agriculture research projects has fueled his decision to study Environmental Science at the University of Virginia. Graydon credits his love for nature to countless hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
D.J. Bundick’s environmental journey began with a third-grade project on global warming, eventually leading him to become Vice-President of Woodgrove’s Environmental Club. His role as a student panelist at a state environmental crisis forum underscored his dedication to sustainable practices. D.J. plans to pursue Environmental Science and Business, with a focus on renewable energy solutions.
The Jane Pratt & Jed Shilling Blue Ridge Education Award, named after two influential conservation leaders, celebrates the dedication of Loudoun County seniors to environmental protection and the preservation of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Criteria for the award include academic excellence, volunteer efforts in conservation, and a compelling commitment to the mountains, with recipients receiving both a certificate and a financial grant.
Larry Malone, Executive Director of Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains, emphasized the importance of these young leaders, stating, “The future of our landscapes lies in the hands of today’s youth. Through this award, we are empowering the next generation of conservation champions.”
Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains remains steadfast in its mission to preserve the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Loudoun County through various initiatives and community involvement, ensuring these landscapes thrive for future generations.
Congratulations to Parker Price, Graydon Berlik, and D.J. Bundick for their exceptional achievements and dedication to environmental stewardship!