2018 Scholarship Recipients

Elijah is a homeschooled senior from Smithfield, Virginia. Driven to help others in any way he is able, Elijah has earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Award four years in a row. He is active in a wide variety of volunteer and leadership roles, including President and Historian of the XiPi Homeschool Honor Society, service as an Eagle Scout, and contributing his skills as an AV and technology provider at his church and in his community.

Kirsten Roshon Smith, a Vision Specialist with Isle of Wight County Schools, believes that Elijah’s determination to reach his goals and his open acceptance of others are two powerful qualities that will help him achieve success. She says, “Elijah is a wonderful young man who has done great things and touched the lives of many people. He demonstrates and teaches that it’s okay to be different. He shows that no matter what the challenge, you can excel at anything you want to do given personal effort and drive.”

Elijah plans to attend Christopher Newport University to pursue a degree in Business Information Technology.

Tahj attends Magna Vista High School in Ridgeway, Virginia. An outgoing leader and athlete, he supports his school and his community by devoting his time to working with Upward Bound, serving as a Powder Puff coach, and volunteering with Operation Christmas Child.

Antonio Mattox, a representative of Upward Bound at Patrick Henry Community College, is certain that Tahj’s integrity and persistence will push him through any obstacle. He says, “When Tahj joined the upward bound program, he immediately set about with a strong determination to achieve and maintain high standards of performance. His character was never compromised—he has always stayed true to himself and kept his academics as a priority.”

Tahj plans to attend George Mason University to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.

Justine attends York High School in Yorktown, Virginia. In addition to focusing on achieving outstanding academic success and working full-time, she makes it a priority to serve others in her roles as Historian for her school’s Student Council Association, a volunteer at Seaford Elementary School, and a volunteer at Mary Immaculate Hospital.

Jaime Miller, Advanced English Instructor at York High School, is confident that Justine’s commitment to service and success will enable her to reach any goal she sets for herself. She says, “As the Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper and SCA Historian, Justine has innumerable responsibilities. Like everything else she does, she handles her leadership roles with poise and grace. She is a student who epitomizes maturity, hard work, and dedication.”

Justine plans to attend Virginia Tech to pursue a degree in Biology.

Juan attends Magna Vista High School in Ridgeway, Virginia. His love of horticulture has allowed him the opportunity to nurture and develop his leadership skills as the President of his local chapter of Future Farmers of America. He shares these skills in other roles including serving as President of both his Junior and Senior class, President of the Magna Vista Chapter of the National Beta Club, and serving as a Magna Vista High School “Warrior Ambassador.”

Karen Knopp, National Beta Club Sponsor at Magna Vista High School, knows that Juan will continue to reach his goals and help others up along the way. She says, “Juan always goes above and beyond and has a genuine interest in serving others. He is a true leader in every sense of the word. He gives 100% to whatever he’s involved in and sees all tasks through to the end.”

Juan will attend Virginia Tech to pursue a degree in Horticulture.

Alissa is a senior at Bluestone High School in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. As an active member of her school’s Environmental Club, Glee Club, and school newspaper, she demonstrates continued hard work, creativity, and dedication. In April, 2018, Alissa was selected as a presenter for the STEM-H Summit in Danville, Virginia. She is the first female from Mecklenburg to be chosen for the role.

Donn Hackney, Guidance Counselor at Bluestone High School, has no doubt that Alissa will continue to reach her goals. She says, “While considering all of her strengths, Alissa’s character stands out the most. Her ability to dedicate and commit herself to whatever task or assignment has been without flaws. She is a very hard worker, dedicated to the best in all she does.”

Alissa plans to attend George Mason University to pursue a degree in Computer Science.

Caragh attends Rappahannock County High School in Washington, Virginia, where she has earned numerous academic awards and recognition for her achievements in the sciences. Caragh gives back to her school and community through her volunteer efforts with the Rappahannock County High School Peer Mentoring Program, RappFLOW (a non-profit organization focused on improving watershed health), and her service as co-founder of the youth education program “Youth Hike Saturdays” with Environmental Studies on the Piedmont.

Vineeta Ribeiro, a Math and Computer Science Instructor at Mountain Vista Governor’s School for Science, Math, and Technology, knows that Caragh’s selflessness and desire to learn will help her achieve her goals. She says, “Caragh is one of those rare, mature students who understands the value of a good education. She devotes herself to learning and strives to do her best and never hesitates to help others. This young lady is extremely bright, hardworking, and tenacious.”

Caragh plans to attend Duke University to pursue a degree in Environmental Science.

Graham attends the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology in Petersburg, Virginia. In addition to his outstanding academic and artistic accomplishments, he is committed to improving his community by offering his time outside of school to organizations including the Chesterfield Humane Society, Southside Regional Medical Center, and the Fort Lee Theatre Company.

Patricia Smith, Literary Arts Instructor at Appomattox Regional Governor’s School, knows that Graham’s flexibility, kind heart, and eagerness to learn will help him achieve great things. She says, “A young man who is confident in his choices without being dogmatic, Graham is open-minded and thoughtful. He exhibits many strengths and his enthusiasm is infectious. I’m excited to see the ways in which college with push him intellectually.”

Graham plans to attend Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue a degree in Visual Art.

Anna attends E. C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, Virginia. Her academic success is paralleled by her achievements in many service-driven extracurricular activities, including a leadership role with Young Life Student Ministry, performing with an acapella group that visits hospitals and nursing homes, and serving as a teacher’s assistant at the Blue Ridge Montessori School.

Rose Flaughter, Associate Principal of E. C. Glass High School, recognizes Anna’s encouraging personality and her commitment to overcoming personal challenges as character traits worthy of high praise. She says, “Despite facing a difficult situation, Anna showed how confident she is in herself and what a caring heart she has. Throughout those tough times, she showed nothing but poise and determination. Anna is truly a remarkable young person.”

Anna plans to attend Liberty University to pursue a degree in Zoology and Wildlife Conservation.

Chad attends Amherst County High School in Amherst, Virginia. In addition to contributing to his school as a varsity athlete and active member of his school band, Chad demonstrates service and leadership in school and out. He devotes his time and skills to Tech Club, Beta Club, his service as an Eagle Scout, and working as a Page in the Virginia Senate.

Lesley Clark, School Guidance Counselor at Amherst County High School, recognizes qualities in Chad that position him as a positive role model for all around him. She says, “Chad’s maturity is above and beyond the typical high school student. His volunteer roles take a special kind of knowledge and dedication that can’t be matched by many. Chad has a lot to offer this world simply by being the all-around great person that he is.”

Chad plans to attend the University of Virginia to pursue a degree in Medicine.

Alondra attends Stonewall Jackson High School in Quicksburg, Virginia. Her caring and drive to help others succeed prompted her to found LYFT (Leading Young Friends Together), a mentoring program for her fellow students. In addition to organizing and leading LYFT, Alondra is an active school athlete who also contributes to the World Languages Club and the National Honor Society.

Aimee Miller, School Guidance Counselor at Stonewall Jackson High School, sees Alondra’s strength and positive attitude as the building blocks for her foundation of success. She says, “I truly believe that Alondra’s compassionate character, as well as her leadership positions in our school and community, have allowed her to become a strong role model for younger students who cannot help but emulate her enthusiasm for helping.”

Alondra plans to attend George Mason University to pursue a double-major in Nursing and Spanish.

Ni’Keijah attends Glen Allen High School in Henrico, Virginia. In addition to serving as a cheerleading captain and contributing to her school as a dedicated student athlete, Ni’Keijah makes time for extracurricular activities that allow her to serve and lead others. Some of her activities include working with National Tech Honors Society, Diverse Hands at Work, and serving on the Principal’s Action Committee.

Robin Zakaib, Physics and Chemistry Instructor at Glen Allen High School, recognizes Ni’Keijah’s unique drive and determination as traits that will propel her to success. She says, “Ni’Keijah is one of the most impressive students I have met in my 16 years of teaching. She is not only intelligent and hardworking, but creative, easygoing, and truly responsive to others. She realizes that in order to improve her life, she must continue to work hard, be honest, and accept responsibility. I have no doubt that she will excel in whatever endeavor she pursues.”

Ni’Keijah plans to attend Old Dominion University to pursue a degree in Nursing.

Kinza attends James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where she was recognized as a Monroe Scholar for her academic achievements. Kinza attributes community service with helping her to build her confidence throughout high school. Some of her service includes working with the Rappahannock Regional Food Bank, volunteering at her local library, and tutoring fellow students.

Gregory James, Guidance Counselor at James Monroe High School, finds it easy to recognize Kinza’s service-driven attitude and her determination to succeed. He says, “Kinza’s ultimate goal is to make an impact in her community by investing her time in education and helping others. She is one of the most focused students I have worked with and possesses great potential to complete any goal that she sets for herself.”

Kinza plans to attend George Mason University to pursue a degree in Computer Science.

Brittany attends Open High School in Richmond, Virginia. Her focus and dedication to her goals have enabled her to complete high school with an Associate’s Degree from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and to achieve recognition on the Dean’s List. In addition to numerous academic and extracurricular activities, Brittany also volunteers with Housing Families First.

Brigette Newberry, Fine Arts Department Head at Open High School, is certain that Brittany’s ability to balance hard work with compassion will help her achieve any goal she sets for herself. She says, “This young woman has it all: she is driven to do well, she is a great friend, she is a very hard worker, she knows when to ask for help, and she is an excellent scholar and leader.”

Brittany plans to attend Old Dominion University to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.

Emma attends J. R. Tucker High School in Henrico, Virginia. In addition to academic and athletic achievements, she is responsible for leadership duties in a long list of clubs and organizations, including the Advanced College Academy Student Committee, the Student Council Association, and the Outdoor Adventure Club. Outside of school, she devotes her time to helping animals as an intern at a local veterinary clinic.

Carlotta Blackman, School Counseling Director at J. R. Tucker High School, identifies Emma’s complete commitment to her obligations as a trait that sets her apart from her peers. She says, “Emma possesses a great work ethic and is extremely resilient. While most students dab their toe in the pond of multiple clubs to build their resume, her involvement in extracurricular activities has been purposeful. She commits fully to all activities, so much so that she eventually finds herself in leadership positions. Emma has the maturity, internal drive, and strength of character to be a great force in this world.”

Emma plans to attend Virginia Tech to pursue a degree in Animal Sciences.

Alaina attends Lee-Davis High School in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Her outstanding leadership qualities have allowed her to successfully serve her Junior and Senior Class Council, and her creativity and service-driven attitude are valued in her work with the International Thespian Society and volunteer efforts with Richmond Animal Care & Control.

Karen Cole, Director of School Counseling at Lee-Davis High School, finds Alaina’s strength of character an asset that will continue to help her reach her goals. She says, “Alaina is full of positivity, compassion, and resilience. Life has not always been easy for this high achieving senior, but she has found ways to stay focused on her goals and keep smiling.”

Alaina plans to attend the University of Virginia to pursue a degree in Clinical Psychology.