Ashby Ponds, a “Home Away From Home” for Students from the Community

At Ashby Ponds retirement community, there are nearly 100 high school students from Loudoun County and Fairfax County working for the community’s dining services department.  The students work in a variety of capacities including as servers, restaurant assistants, and service coaches, among others.  In addition to gaining valuable work experience and earning a wage, students who work at least 1000 hours during their junior and senior years of high school may be eligible for up to a $4000 scholarship paid directly to the college or trade school of their choice.

The relationships that develop and grow between the student workers and the residents at the community are extremely meaningful, according to Jason Allred, a scholarship candidate and senior at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn.  “It has become a joy and pleasure to get to know the residents on a more personal level,” said Allred.  “They've become a second family of sorts, a home away from home.” 

Coming from a family of six children and having lost his father at the age of 7, Allred has learned to truly appreciate the importance of family, friendship, and hard work.  Having been accepted into Brigham-Young University, Allred has been picking up extra shifts in the hopes of being selected as one of the 2012 Ashby Ponds Scholars as he works toward his goal of becoming an orthodontist.  The Ashby Ponds Scholars Fund has been in place since 2010 and this year, there are 20 candidates.  Funds for the scholarships were raised from a number of resident events at Ashby Ponds including the 3rd Annual Duck Derby held in April.  Residents bought rubber ducks for $5 each and watched as they raced through the community’s indoor pool in return for prizes donated by local businesses and departments at Ashby Ponds.

Allred encourages other area students looking for employment to consider Ashby Ponds.  “Ashby Ponds is a great environment where you will make new friends, and be a positive, meaningful addition to the staff and the lives of the residents,” said Allred.  "My advice is simple: APPLY!  Ashby Ponds is full of energetic individuals who will make your time there worthwhile.  The management is flexible and understanding and it’s a great opportunity to broaden your horizons.”

Eligibility for scholarships from Ashby Ponds also includes having no adverse disciplinary actions on one’s record, having at least a “C” average, and completing all application materials in addition to the required number of hours worked. 

“The opportunity is yours,” said Allred.  Students interested in employment at Ashby Ponds can apply online at www.ericksonliving.com/careers.  For interested students, representatives from Ashby Ponds will be available to provide additional information at two upcoming events:

Saturday, May 12, 2012
1:00-3:00 pm
Claude Moore Recreation Center

YouthFest 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
3:00-8:00 pm
Brambleton Town Center

About Ashby Ponds:  Ashby Ponds, one of 16 retirement communities managed by Erickson Living, is situated on a scenic 132-acre campus in Ashburn, Virginia (approximately 30 miles west of Washington, D.C.).  The community is home to over 600 residents and is filled with fascinating people and fantastic opportunities.  Life at Ashby Ponds offers a true sense of community and is an exciting alternative to the typical retirement community.  More information about Ashby Ponds can be found at: www.ericksonliving.com.