Scholarship Winner

Mary Claire Osilka, sponsored by Bernard Osilka, was awarded the 2026 $2,000 scholarship.



Mary Claire will be attending VMI in the Fall of 2026. She plans on studying for a BS in Biology. She is active on her school’s swim team for the last five years and is also a coach on the team. She is also very active in her church and through other community groups. She has volunteered at numerous recycling events hosted by the Prince William County Solid Waste Division for several years. Growing up, her father regularly brought her to community events such as America Recycles Day at the Prince William County Landfill.

2026 Scholarship Applications 

$2,000 scholarships are made available for graduating high school seniors among children and grandchildren of chapter members. Qualifying college student awards are also available.

Applications and all supporting documentation are due by May 1, 2026 and can be emailed to the Scholarship Chair. Late applications are unable to be accepted. 

Contact Aaron White

Scholarship/Awards Committee Chair

aaron.white@hdrinc.com

Call 757.222.1549  for additional information.

Congratulations to the 2026 SWANA Old Dominion Award Winners.

These are presented annually to recognize individuals and programs that enhance the management of solid waste in Virginia and /or increase public understanding of solid waste management challenges.

Program Achievement Award:

Rappahannock Regional Solid Waste Management Board (R-Board) – Professor Olivia and the Litter Lifters Program

This innovative environmental education and litter prevention initiative utilizes community partnerships, hands-on learning, and outreach centered around Professor Olivia the Owl to promote waste reduction and litter prevention. The program engaged more than 2,200 participants during its first three months and is designed as a scalable model for communities across Virginia.

Professional Achievement Award:

Dennis Bagley, Executive Director, Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA)

Dennis has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing regional waste management through SPSA’s groundbreaking partnership with AMP. His efforts have helped position Hampton Roads as a leader in AI-powered waste recovery, landfill diversion, and sustainable materials management, serving more than 1.2 million residents. 

Applications Due June 26, 2026

$750 is awarded to one program

The Old Dominion Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America invites nominations for the  SWANA Old Dominion Service Awards.  Established by the Chapter in 2010, these awards are presented annually to recognize individuals and programs that enhance the management of solid waste in Virginia and/or increase public understanding of solid waste management challenges and success stories.

Contact aaron.white@hdrinc.com  or call 757.222.1549  for additional information.

There are 3 categories of awards described below. You may use the online form to submit your nomination and see detailed descriptions of each award.  Awards Application

Professional Achievement- $750.00 Award

Program Achievement- $500.00 Award

Student Paper Award- $500.00 Award