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2017 Martin Marietta Scholarships Ashley Ridlon Texas A&M University Ashley Ridlon doesn’t see problems. She sees solutions in need of immediate implementation. And so, as she enters her freshman year of college, she does so as a sophomore. “My grandmother worked with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LRCA) and I’ve seen the great improvements she was able to make over the years,” the teen says. “I believe that the earlier I can start my career, the more I can accomplish.” A product of California’s Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program, Ridlon moved to Texas shortly before her high school years. While her early educational opportunities positioned her to earn a full year of college credit before high school graduation, what has truly allowed the 18-year-old to succeed is her drive; when she sees an issue, she goes on the attack. Knowing that she’d have trouble paying for college, Ridlon applied for nearly 100 scholarships. Her Martin Marietta scholarship is one of 10 she was awarded. An introvert by nature, Ridlon forces herself to join clubs – those that pertain to her academic interests and those that do not – just to make sure she doesn’t stray too far from people. When she learned of the issues facing exotic animals, she set in motion a career path aimed to alleviate the situation. “I want to earn a degree in exotic veterinary medicine,” she says. “Purchasing an exotic pet tends to be less expensive than the veterinary services needed to care for it, so you have a lot of people who are letting their pets die and then replacing them with new animals. It’s having a bottleneck effect and severely affecting the gene pools of entire species.” Ridlon saw this scenario play out daily while volunteering as an intern with Hill Country Aviaries, LLC, where she worked with exotic pets in need of care. The group rehabilitates sick or wounded birds and involves endangered bird species in their breeding programs, then returns them to the local exotic pet trade, curbing the need for pet traders to remove additional animals from their natural habitats. The mission is one for which Ridlon has a great passion. “I don’t necessarily agree with people keeping these animals, but if I can help care for them, I can stop traders from bringing more animals in,” she says. “The problem is much larger than most people realize.” With her mission before her, Ridlon enters Texas A&M University thankful for the support she’s received. Yes, the scholarships she’s earned will do much to ease the financial burdens of college, but she gives the bulk of credit to the parents who have supported her, Central Texas Ready Mix Operations Manager Brian Ridlon and his wife, Jennifer. “My sister wants to become a dance teacher and they provide her with just as much support as they’ve given me,” she says. “They would have supported me had my grades been average as long as I worked hard for them. They just want me to be motivated to accomplish something.” ▼ Ashley Ridlon poses with her parents, Brian and Jennifer Ridlon. Just the Facts: Ashley Ridlon High School: Cedar Creek High School (Texas) Weighted Average: 106.239 A Scientific Leader: Ashley served as president of her high school’s Science Olympiad club for four years. She and a partner competed in the Water Quality Division and medaled at regionals, becoming the only students at Cedar Creek to achieve that level of success. 16 September/October 2017 The Conveyor | www.martinmarietta.com


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