HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL NR 2020-02-26 Tolbert Award Presentation
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
February 26, 2020
Media Contact:
Leah Kosin, Assistant Public Information Officer
lkosin@leesburgva.gov 703-771-2781
Leesburg Town Council Presents 2019 John W. Tolbert Jr.
Environmental Achievement Award to Tycho Svoboda
Leesburg, VA (February 26, 2020) – During the
Leesburg Town Council meeting on Tuesday,
February 25, 2020 the council and Jennifer Chu,
chair of the Town’s Environmental Advisory
Commission (EAC), presented Leesburg resident
Tycho Svoboda with the 2019 John W. Tolbert Jr.
Environmental Achievement Award.
Svoboda, a junior at Riverside High School and the
Academies of Loudoun, was selected for his efforts
in the “Virginia Save our Streams” program, as a certified stream monitor, collecting samples at
several stream sites in Leesburg including Tuscarora and Goose creeks. He also conducts regular
training for other volunteers.
In 2019, as part of a high school project, Svoboda developed a mobile app to automatically
analyze the water quality data. It also helped to streamline data collection and data entry into
the statewide database making stream monitoring easier, quicker, and more accurate. As a
result, Svoboda won the 2019 Congressional App Challenge representing the state of Virginia.
“The EAC recognizes Tycho for his long-term service and impactful work in protecting water
quality in Leesburg and Virginia,” Chu said. “He has donated countless hours and technological
expertise to enhance and improve the stream monitoring program.”
The Tolbert award recognizes students, community groups, and individuals that conduct or
participate in activities that benefit the Town’s environment. Such activities are vital to
sustaining the quality and health of our community and significantly contribute to the long-
term well-being of our town for generations to come.
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