Columbia, SC—The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD) has selected Indya Woodfolk, a senior at Hammond School, to receive the $1,000 2018 Youth Conservation Scholarship to support her interest in conservation and her pursuit of a career in environmental sciences. Woodfolk plans to major in Environmental Science and Political Science at Elon University in the fall.
Woodfolk “is a remarkable student who is well on her way to becoming a true scholar and responsible citizen,” says Patrick Rybarczyk, a math teacher at Hammond School. “She shows a high level of tenacity that is perfect for solving difficult problems across all subjects,” he continues.
The RSWCD is excited for Woodfolk to put this tenacity to work as she seeks to find solutions to the myriad of environmental issues facing our planet. “I can make a difference,” Woodfolk says, noting that she has already begun doing “the small things” that have a positive effect on the environment such as eliminating plastic straws, reducing her meat consumption, and using biodegradable, sustainably-made products. “I am determined to someday have an influence on political decisions in order to do what’s best for our planet.”
According to RSWCD Associate Commissioner Mary Burts, the Youth Conservation Scholarship was created “to encourage students of today to prepare for our future, and their future, through studies in conservation and sustainability. We, as a conservation district, look forward to where [Woodfolk’s] studies will take her…with [her plans to study environmental and political science], she will be prepared to be an advocate for conservation in the future.”
Woodfolk will be recognized at the RSWCD Awards Banquet on May 17.
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Conservation Districts are political subdivisions of state government under the local direction of five-member Boards of Commissioners. In South Carolina, Conservation District boundaries conform to County boundaries. The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District promotes the wise use of natural resources for the benefit of the citizens of Richland County.
Contact
Richland Soil and Water Conservation District
2020 Hampton Street, Room 3063A
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone (803) 576-2080
Fax (803) 576-2088
E-mail soilandwater@rcgov.us
Facebook www.facebook.com/rswcd