Ashby Ponds Residents Help Pave a Path to Success for High School Seniors/Graduates

Ashburn, Va. - For high school seniors approaching graduation, these last few weeks are a time of reflection—to commemorate academic achievements and appreciate the value of relationships formed with teachers, coaches, friends, and mentors.

For student workers at Ashby Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va., it also represents a chance to be recognized for their hard work and set up for success through four-year scholarships, funded by generous donations from community residents.

At the Student Scholar ceremony, 27 student workers were granted scholarships through the Student Scholarship Fund at Ashby Ponds.  The value of these scholarships is $10,000 per student.

To qualify for a scholarship, a student must work 1,000 hours, maintain good academic and professional standing, and plan to attend a college, university, or trade school on a full-time basis (at least 12 credit hours per semester).

During the ceremony, 13 recipients of a Staff Scholars award, a one-year scholarship worth $2,500 for staff members of Ashby Ponds who are completing a degree or pursuing higher education for the first time, were also announced.  Additional scholarship money was distributed through a named scholarship in memory of a former Ashby Ponds resident.  In total, Ashby Ponds distributed $360,500 in scholarship awards this year. 

“These residents make a big difference in the lives of student workers here at Ashby Ponds,” says Philanthropy Manager Elisabeth Longworth. “They recognize the benefits of helping young people succeed, and they want to be a part of advancing their education and skill development.”

In 13 years, more than $1.724 million has been awarded to assist 260 students to advance their careers, according to Longworth.

“These students reflect the philosophy that our mission, helping others live better lives, is achieved one interaction at a time,” says Longworth. “The energy that they bring to our residents and to each other is indescribable. We are proud of these recipients for their commitment to excellence—here, at Ashby Ponds, and in their studies. In turn, we appreciate our residents for contributing to the fund and sharing their life experiences with all of the students.”