News: 11 Area High School Students Eligible for Ashby Ponds Scholarships

Ashburn (Apr. 14, 2011) – At Ashby Ponds, there are over 90 high school students from Loudoun County and Fairfax County working for dining services, with 120 more on the waiting list. The students work in a variety of capacities including servers, restaurant assistants, services coaches, and utility workers, among others. In addition to gaining valuable work experience, the students may be eligible for a scholarship from Ashby Ponds. Students who work a total of 1000 hours during their junior and senior years, have no adverse disciplinary actions on their record, have at least a “C” average, and complete all application materials, may be eligible for a $1000 scholarship paid per year directly to the college or trade school of their choice.


This year, there are 11 eligible students. One of those students, Joey Longo, feels that his decision to work at Ashby Ponds was the right choice for him; so much so that he wrote an article about his experience in his Dominion High School newsletter, The Torch. “I've made a ton of friends over the last two years working at Ashby Ponds,” said Longo. “I share connections with the residents and I bond and hang out with other co-workers. That to me is the best part of the job.”;

(Editor's Note: Long has even wrote as a freelancer for VivaLoudoun!)

Money for the scholarships is raised from the residents themselves; there are a number of events each year in which the proceeds go to the scholarship fund. One of those events, the 2rd Annual Duck Derby, was held recently in March. Residents bought rubber ducks for $5 each and raced them through the indoor pool at Ashby Ponds for prizes donated by local businesses and the various departments at the community; the money raised went to the scholarship fund.

The relationships created and cultivated between the student workers and the residents of Ashby Ponds are very meaningful to both parties. “The relationships that I have made with residents over the last two years have been extremely special,” said Longo. “The stories I have heard and the advice I have been given has been life changing. Ashby Ponds changed me as a person for the better, and I owe it all to my relationships with different residents.” Longo will be attending Radford University in the fall and plans to major in broadcast journalism.

About Ashby Ponds: Is situated on a scenic 132-acre campus in Ashburn, Virginia (approximately 30 miles west of Washington, D.C.). The vibrant campus is filled with fascinating people and fantastic opportunities. Life at Ashby Ponds offers a true sense of community and is exciting alternative to the typical retirement community. Further information about Ashby Ponds can be found at: www.ericksonliving.com.