Eco-Friendly Scholarship Winners

OFAC Law Group is committed to supporting students who are passionate about environmental sustainability. That’s why we created the OFAC Law Group Eco-Friendly Scholarship, awarding a deserving student who has demonstrated or proposed impactful ways to improve the environment. Keep reading to learn more about our previous winners!

2025 Winner: Carly Engelhardt

Biography: My name is Carly Engelhardt. I am a high school senior in Vienna, Virginia. Next year I plan to attend college to pursue an Environmental Science degree. I have not yet decided on the college or university yet, but I am excited to attend college to continue to grow, learn more about how to help protect the environment, and find new opportunities to contribute to this passion. During my high school years I was a member of the Student Environmental Action (SEA) Club, frequently participated in stream clean ups, and interned at the Glen Echo Park Aquarium. Another passion of mine is music. I am a trumpet player in concert band, marching band, and jazz band.

Statement: I am grateful to have been selected to receive this scholarship. This investment toward my college education will help me contribute to the global effort to help slow or reverse the factors that contribute to the harmful effects from climate change.

2024 Winner: Lila Cleveland

Biography: My name is Lila Cleveland and I am from Arroyo Grande, California. I am currently an undergraduate at University of California Santa Barbara, studying zoology. I plan to pursue a career in wildlife behavioral research, but I would be happy doing anything outdoors. I also am the chair of Isla Vista Surfrider’s Blue Water Task Force, as well as a player on the UCSB club beach volleyball team. I have so much more to learn about how our Earth works and I am eager to start giving back to it.

Reaction Statement: I am so thankful to be chosen for this scholarship, I will put it to great use to help advance my education for a more sustainable and protected environment. I am full of gratitude for the 2024 OFAC Eco-Friendly Scholarship!

2023 Winner – Bryce Rhodes

Biography: My name is Bryce Rhodes and I’m from Bryant, Arkansas. I graduated from Bryant High School and I am now attending the University of Central Arkansas pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. I plan to continue school until I attain a masters degree so that I can be a nurse
practitioner.

Reaction Statement: I feel so overjoyed and thankful for receiving the OFAC Law Group Eco-friendly scholarship.

2022 Winner – Margaret Michel

Biography: My name is Margaret Michel and I am from Brighton, Michigan. I am a current sophomore at Northern Michigan University. I am working towards my undergraduate degree in Fishery and Wildlife Management, and I am hoping to work in wildlife research and education in the future utilizing my degree. I like to be outdoors in nature in whatever free time I have. I love to explore the world around me and discover everything I can about nature, specifically my new home in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Wildlife conservation is one of my passions, and it is something I hope to pursue even more in the future using my education.

Reaction Statement: I am so grateful to be the recipient of this award. It is a tremendous help in achieving my dreams of obtaining my degree. I have worked very hard over the past few years to finance my education, and this is amazing assistance in reaching my goal. Thank you so much for your generosity. I will ensure that this award is put to good use and will make a difference in this world.