By Julie Slama | [email protected]

A Juan Diego Catholic High honors biology student has been selected as one of 100 students nationwide to participate in a week-long youth summit on the environment in Fairfax, Virginia this summer.

Sophomore Sammy Pickering, of Herriman, will learn about environmental science and conservation while at the 2022 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment June 26 through July 1 at George Mason University. The youth summit at GMU partners with the National Zoo and the National Geographic Society.

Pickering was nominated to be a delegate. While she doesn’t know who nominated her, students are typically nominated by their teachers, counselors or Washington Youth Summit on the Environment alumni. Pickering received an email in the fall, then an acceptance letter in January.

“I like to look at college letters and this just happened to be the one that I pulled out,” she said. “I was very shocked when I found out I could go to Washington, D.C. for this.”

According to the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment website, students are selected on academic excellence and have an interest in environmental science.

Pickering wants to pursue a career in marine biology.

“I’ve always had a love for animals and saving them and figuring out ways to help them survive in the ocean,” she said.

As a conference delegate, Pickering and other students will have exclusive field visits to the National Zoo, NASA Flight Center, the National Aquarium, National Geographic Society and other places as well as be able to talk to researchers, scientists, professors, directors and program staff to gain an inside look at environmental science, policy and conservation issues.

Pickering also is expected to be able to talk to lawmakers on Capitol Hill about environmental issues and topics. She hopes to be able to talk to U.S. Sen. Mike Lee.

“I want to look up the issues that they see on the environment and then issues I have on the environment in Utah,” she said.

In addition to environmental issues, there will be discussions about selecting colleges and careers in the field and she will have the opportunity to stay in a GMU dorm. Pickering also will be able to visit the Capitol, the Smithsonian and several monuments during her first visit to the capital city.