WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Heather Kirkpatrick of Woodbridge has been named the 2012 New Century Scholar for Virginia.
Kirkpatrick is a student at Northern Virginia Community College’s Woodbridge Campus and a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
The award goes to just 50 community college students from the United States, Canada and Guam. Each scholar will receive a $2,000 scholarship and a plaque. In addition, they will be recognized in the April 23 edition of USA TODAY.
“I am humbled by this honor and will always treasure it,” Kirkpatrick said. “This award makes all the sleepless nights and hard work more than worthwhile.”
Kirkpatrick was young when she graduated high school and didn’t feel ready for a four-year college.
“Starting at NOVA was the smartest decision I have ever made,” she said. “NOVA gave me a second chance, one that has allowed me to completely transform into a motivated, well-rounded and educated individual. My time at NOVA has been wonderful and has prepared me for the next chapter in my life. I can’t wait!”
Kirkpatrick will graduate this spring and will introduce the keynote speaker during NOVA’s Commencement ceremony. This fall, she plans to transfer to Virginia Commonwealth University to study sculpture and extended media.
More than 1,700 students were nominated from more than 800 community colleges. Judges consider grades, leadership, activities and how students extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. New Century Scholars are the highest scoring students in each state, plus one student from Canada and one student from the seven sovereign nations where Phi Theta Kappa is represented internationally.
-Press release
