The New River Valley Home Builders Association (NRVHBA) is excited to announce the recipients of the annual Rick Whitney Memorial Scholarship.

The mission of the NRVHBA Scholarship Committee is to support the future growth of the construction industry by providing aid to deserving students planning to enroll in construction-related studies at Virginia's colleges, trade schools and within working internships.

The NRVHBA requests applications from graduating high school students in Montgomery, Giles, Pulaski, Floyd, Wythe, and Carroll Counties, as well as the Towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg and the City of Radford.

This year, the NRVHBA is proud to announce two recipients of this annual scholarship: Lilly Underwood and Iain Abbott. Though many outstanding applications were received, both Underwood and Abbott had the educational, extracurricular, and work experience that pushed them to the top of the group.

Underwood is a graduate of Eastern Montgomery High School with an impressive list of volunteer, extracurricular and work experience, including community volunteering and leadership positions within her Student Government Association and multiple sports teams. An interest in building things, learning how structures are made, and her wood shop, math, and science courses led her to apply to attend Virginia Tech this fall, majoring in Engineering with a focus on Civil Engineering. After graduation, she looks forward to being an innovative and influential civil engineer.

Austin Hauslohner (Setter Construction), Stephanie Bell (Foresight Design Services), Ian Friend (SAS Builders), Justin Boyle (Green Valley Builders), Lily Underwood, Jeff Nosenzo (Brown Insurance), Cat White (Tyris Homes)

Abbott is a graduate of Christiansburg High School. He became interested in the construction industry through his internship with Balzer and Associates where he learned about architecture, engineering, and surveying. As an Eagle Scout, he had the opportunity to design and build a picnic pavilion for the Town of Christiansburg. He looks forward to earning a degree in either building construction management or civil engineering with a goal of managing or owning his own company one day.

Austin Hauslohner (Setter Construction), Stephanie Bell (Foresight Design Services), Ian Friend (SAS Builders), Justin Boyle (Green Valley Builders), Iain Abbott, Jeff Nosenzo (Brown Insurance), Cat White (Tyris Homes)

The NRVHBA looks forward to having them as future building industry members of the community and wishes them luck in their educational and career endeavors.

About the Rick Whitney Memorial Scholarship: Rick Whitney came to the New River Valley area in 1997 and was employed as Vice President of Construction for SAS Construction, LLC. Rick was instrumental in developing and constructing Knollwood Townhomes, the Glen, and The Meadows at Northside Park, Cedarfield Subdivision and Cedarfield Apartments. He became an avid member of the New River Valley Home Builders Association in 1997, Builder Director in 1997, Vice President in 1998 and President of the Association in 1999. As a father, Rick recognized the importance of education to young people. To encourage others to pursue their dreams, this scholarship was established to honor his many accomplishments.

The New River Valley Home Builders Association is a professional trade organization serving the building community by advocating for the construction industry; educating, supporting, and promoting our members; and giving back to the New River Valley.

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