Where Are They Now: Natalie Hart
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Scholarships can take students places they never thought they could go. Natalie Hart, a graduate of Fort Frye High School, experienced this first-hand.
Natalie was the recipient of the Terry Huck Memorial Scholarship in 2015.
“When I got the scholarship, I was thankful because I did work hard in school as well as on the track, so it meant a lot that I was getting recognized for all the hard work I did,” she said. “I was coached in basketball by Terry Huck and we went to church together, so it meant a lot to me.”
The Terry Huck Memorial Scholarship made a substantial impact on Hart’s academic success at Wingate University.
“The scholarship helped out a lot because I was able to use the money to buy my laptop for school. I didn’t have to pay out of pocket for my books as well. I know students have a hard time spending $300-$400 on textbooks for one semester.”
Once Hart completed her undergraduate degree in Environmental Biology, she decided to travel south to begin her career working with wildlife. Since her graduation in 2019, her love for the job has grown.
“For the past couple of months, I have been working in Florida as an Animal Care Intern at an animal sanctuary. I will be leaving to start a full-time position in California at an outdoor educational institute,” said Hart. “Ever since I was little, I’ve been obsessed with animals — I always said I like animals more than people!”
Hart looks forward to sharing her love of wildlife with children. She wants them to understand the importance of wildlife conservation.
“I’m really excited to teach kids about the outdoors and science. I think the outdoors is the perfect classroom and I wish I had an opportunity to attend something like this when I was a kid. I’m excited to make an impact on those children and give them a great camp experience!”
Although Hart plans to continue to travel wherever her job takes her, the Mid-Ohio Valley will always be home. Hart gave a piece of advice to rising seniors in the area.
“If you want to leave Ohio and experience the world, go and do it! You get to see beautiful things and meet beautiful people. You can share that with your friends and family back home!”
Author: Katen Petty
