CLEVELAND, OH -- Sam Arcot, Manager – Residential & Special Projects at Rugo Stone in Lorton, VA, has been awarded the 2013 Marble Institute of America (MIA) Natural Stone Scholarship Award. The selection was made by a panel of five judges, consisting of MIA board directors and past presidents. Arcot's selection was based on an essay he wrote explaining his commitment to the natural stone industry. He writes in his opening paragraph that his passion for natural stone stems back to a brief exposure to the industry through his paternal uncle, who was in the business.

Sam Arcot accepts his awards at the MIA Awards Luncheon at StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas .

"I was fascinated by the fact that naturally occurring materials can be made into beautiful forms, and be used by human beings," said Arcot. "I am astonished by the beauty and uniqueness of each type of species of natural stone. My goal is to help Rugo Stone become the number one stone supplier and fabricator in the Northern VA, D.C. and MD residential market. I'm committed to improving material and fabrication quality standards, enhancing customer experience and also creating a benchmark in customer service."

"To me, Sam represents a new generation of young stone professionals," said Brett Rugo, President of Rugo Stone, in his letter of recommendation. "He is highly educated, speaks multiple languages and has a great passion to perform the work in an expert fashion. Sam has an excellent mind and is extremely fast and accurate in any task that he takes on. He has become a very valuable member of our management team."