Environmental summit calls on Valencia student
VALENCIA — An area student and Eagle Scout has been selected to attend a prestigious conference dedicated to the education and leadership training of students interested in environmental science and conservation.
North Catholic High School junior and Eagle Scout David Ubinger will be representing Valencia borough at the annual Washington Youth Summit on the Environment hosted by George Mason University along with its partners, the National Geographic Society and the National Zoo.
The conference will run from June 23 to 28 at the George Mason campus in Virginia and includes lessons in leadership and environmental science and conservation for students interested in pursuing careers in the industry.
David and the other students attending the summit will have the chance to engage with speakers and other guests picked for their achievements in environmental science and conservation, exposing students to the possibilities offered in the environmental conservation industry.
At the summit, he will be one of 300 students participating in the weeklong study.
Students are picked for their excellent academic performance and displays of leadership and dedication to environmental issues.
David's mother, Lisa Ubinger, said he was selected after expressing an interest in wildlife biology when he took the SATs.
“It's a wonderful opportunity for him,” she said.
David also installed a pollination garden at the Humane Animal Rescue Wildlife Center in Verona last October for his Eagle Scout project.
The garden features 185 plants that he installed along with other Boy Scouts.
His mom said he researched native plants that would attract butterflies, hummingbirds and bees.
He will continue work on the garden this spring.
David said he is still weighing his options for where to study after high school, adding that he enjoys working with animals and is interested in zoology and animal wildlife.
He said he's looking for programs with a lot of hands-on work and experience in the field.
For more information about the youth summit, visit wyse.gmu.edu.
