Virginia Student Wins NWTF’s National Academic Scholarship Sponsored by Mossy Oak
OutdoorHub 07.05.11
EDGEFIELD, SC – Ben Coates is hard working and dedicated in the classroom, his community and the conservation field and now with a $10,000 National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) national scholarship sponsored by Mossy Oak, the outstanding student can pursue a major in veterinary medicine and minor in wildlife biology and conservation.
Coates, of Concord, Va., plans to begin his studies at Central Virginia Community College and then transfer to Virginia Tech. He graduated from Rustburg High School and was selected from a group of 44 state scholarship recipients to be named the national winner.
“I have a strong desire to help maintain land through conservation and provide years of future outdoor enjoyment for generations to come,” said Coates. “This scholarship is another step toward having a career that will ultimately help me dedicate my time to achieving those goals.”
“The future conservation work of outstanding students like Ben ensures we can continue to enjoy the outdoors and the longstanding traditions we hold dear,” said Christine Rolka, NWTF director of education. “We are pleased to support Ben as he furthers his education and look forward to hearing about his many successes.”
“Mossy Oak is committed to conservation,” said Toxey Haas, Founder and CEO of Mossy Oak. “NWTF is active in getting young people outdoors and supporting conservation efforts. We’re glad to be a part of this scholarship program with such an upstanding organization.”
NWTF scholarships are set up to benefit youth with a commitment to conservation and preserving the hunting tradition, and recipients may pursue any type of degree they wish. Since 1999, the NWTF has awarded more than $3.3 million through the program.
Coates and his family also will receive a trip to the 2012 NWTF National Convention and Sport Show, February 9-12 in Nashville, Tenn., where he will be recognized for his achievement.
For more information on the NWTF scholarship program, call (800) THE-NWTF, email scholarshipinfo@nwtf.net or visit www.nwtf.org/education.
