The Lucketts Ruritan Club awarded $2,500 to Sofia Hardesty toward her studies at the University of Virginia (UVA), where she will major in biology with a minor in Spanish. Sofia graduated from Tuscarora High School with a GPA of 4.64, excelling in AP classes for English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Science, and Psychology. Her passion for learning and community service was apparent in her transcript and throughout our conversation. In addition to her scholastic achievements, which landed her on the all “A” honor roll, she received the AP Scholar of Distinction award. She is a member of the Science and Spanish National Honor Societies and was awarded the Seal of Biliteracy. She was also an active member of Key Club and the Environmental Club.

Sofia and her family moved from Sterling to Selma and have lived there for ten years. Early on, Sofia was interested in the environment and in wildlife and recalls being extremely thrilled to move to the country. The pond on the Selma property in particular was alluring because of all the wildlife that use it. She loves watching the deer, looking for various tracks in the mud, and just being outside in general. While some young girls fill dollhouses with miniature furniture, Sofia filled hers with insect specimens housed in glass containers. For her Capstone project at Tuscarora, Sofia worked at the Leesburg Animal Park; this experience is what solidified her desire to study zoology and to become involved in hands on conservation efforts. With her Spanish skills and environmental passion, she hopes to work in South America on conservation projects.