2023 Scholarship Recipients

Anish is a senior at Harrisonburg High School in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Next year, he will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
I am indebted to my research mentor at James Madison University, Professor Anca Constantin, for welcoming me into her lab and encouraging my interest in astrophysics. Working with Dr. Constantin has made me want to become a professor myself one day. I am also eternally grateful to my parents for their sacrifices and support.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
I am passionate about using leadership to foster a sense of belonging for others. I work toward this passion as the co-captain of my school's color guard and as the president of my high school's Governor's STEM Academy. In my free time, I enjoy reading and pruning roses.

Q: Where will you be attending college? ?
I am excited to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
I plan on double majoring in astrophysics and biology. I want to earn a Ph.D. in astrophysics or astrobiology and eventually become a researcher and research mentor.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
When you are considering an important decision, listen to your heart. Be confident in who you are. Be vulnerable, and you will be surprised by the acceptance and joy you will find.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
My sense of purpose is my strongest strength. I know who I am, and I know that I want to create change in the world through science and inclusivity. I can always return to this purpose when I navigate challenging circumstances and decisions.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
Absolutely. I have become more diligent in showing my gratitude to others because I realize how lucky I am to have access to the opportunities and people around me.

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship?
I am very grateful to the Allen Law Firm for this scholarship. It inspires me to chase my educational goals and use my education to serve others.

Ella is graduating from New Kent High School in New Kent, Virginia, and will be Rappahannock Community College in the fall.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
My teacher, Ms. Eubank. She’s part of the horticulture department and is very supportive and encouraging of her students. I feel like I’m the leader I am today because of her.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
I love swimming, crochet, and gardening.

Q: Where will you be attending college?
I’m attending Rappahannock Community College.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
I plan to study Nursing Science, and work as a nurse practitioner or specialize in a specific field.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
Don’t focus on the past. Keep looking forward and pushing. It’ll get better.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
Resilience.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
Yes, it’s made me realize what I want to do and what I don’t want to do. It puts everything into perspective.

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship?
It means a brighter future for me.

Emma is a senior at Madison County High School in Orange, Virginia, and will be attending the University of Mary Washington.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
Yes, most of my family. My mom especially. Her strength shows that no matter what life puts in front of you, with enough love and support from the people around you, you can achieve your goals.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
A recent Governor’s School presentation encouraged me to start advocating for teens who have experienced loved ones suffering with substance abuse. I’ll be speaking at a conference in Hampton Roads and supporting the effort to educate students on the purpose and use of NARCAN.

Q: Where will you be attending college?
The University of Mary Washington.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
I’ll be studying Biomedical Sciences. I plan to become a physical assistant, and then later on, after working under a cardiologist for a while, I’ll go back and get my master’s in cardiology.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
Remain true to yourself, because the strength you can find within will carry you through anything. Also, involving yourself in things you’re passionate about will take you far.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
Perseverance and resilience.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
It’s made me stronger. I’m able to look at situations with more empathy now.

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship?
It’s an honor, and it provides me the opportunity to further my education which has been a dream of mine.

Grayson is a senior at Colonial Heights High School in Colonial Heights, Virginia, and will be attending the University of Virginia.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
Yes, my youth pastor, my mom, my brother, and my dad.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
I love helping people, I am a gymnast and I like to play board games with friends.

Q: Where will you be attending college?
UVA is my first choice, but I will make a final decision on the first of May.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
I plan to study pre-med and biology.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
Don’t overthink things and wait on the Lord.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
I’m very patient.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
When I was younger, I was always sick. I finally found some answers and overcoming that has helped me to rely on God for strength.

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship?
With this scholarship, I will be able to help people in the future since I want to be a doctor. I’m very grateful for any chance to further my education and help people. I’ve always wanted to help people.

Hana is a senior at Robinson Secondary School and will be attending Harvard University.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
My grandfather is one of my most significant inspirations. Since I was young, he has been a huge part of my motivation to excel and become the best person I can be. He is a successful businessman and above all, an honest and generous person.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
I am a firm supporter in health equity, particularly in education of health. In my free time I am an avid hiker and fitness enthusiast!

Q: Where will you be attending college?
I will be attending Harvard University for my undergraduate degree.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
I plan to major in the sciences with a minor in Global Health and Health Policy. During my undergraduate years I hope to pursue a career in medicine, eventually going to medical school and becoming a doctor.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
I would advise students to never underestimate themselves.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
I would consider my passion and persistence my strongest character traits, because it’s what led me to pursue and create new pathways and opportunities.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
I have learned that it is important to rely on your family and friends, and it is the people around you that will end up being your biggest supporters.

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship?
Receiving the George E. Allen Academic Scholarship is more to me than simply an award. It means that I will be able to pursue a higher degree and education, and to one day give back to my community just as Allen & Allen has.

Kelly is a senior at Buffalo Gap High School and will be attending Radford University.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
Amy Bowers, my cheer coach, has inspired me to achieve my goals. She is also an occupational therapist. She has encouraged me to pursue my dreams, motivated me to study hard, and has been an excellent example of a kind and driven person.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
I am passionate about helping people. I like to serve in children’s ministry and enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Q: Where will you be attending college?
I am attending Radford University.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
I plan to major in Recreational Therapy and then pursue a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams. Listen to your mentors as they guide you in your future goals. Work hard and keep going even when the task seems impossible.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
I consider my strongest character trait is kindness. I strive to have empathy and compassion just as this was shown to me during my hardest trials.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
Overcoming my obstacles has definitely changed me. My health issues have helped me develop compassion and kindness for those struggling. It has taught me to be an encouragement to others in similar circumstances. Being adopted from China at the age of six has taught me to be driven even when circumstances are difficult

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship?
I am honored to receive the George E. Allen Academic Scholarship. This will help alleviate the financial burden to pursue my dream of helping others in the future.

Kenny is graduating from Calhoun Academy and will be attending The College of William and Mary in the fall.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
My late grandmother was the influential figure who made me who I am today. She has inspired me to explore new hobbies, learn music, and contribute to the community. Her presence also brought me joy and satisfaction.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
I am passionate about exploring new ways to challenge myself, including educational components, such as programming video games, composing music on LogicPro, and writing my knowledge of school subjects in a textbook format to help me further understand the concepts better.

Q:Where will you be attending college?
I plan to attend William & Mary.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
I plan to pursue a major in Physics. Through college, I plan to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career at NASA someday.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
Be yourself. Don’t let others look down on you. Instead, overcome and turn your challenges into your strengths by conquering them with the skills you are proficient in.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
My strongest trait is my determination to learn more about the world and myself. I will stop at nothing to understand how the world works and the ways that I can contribute to it.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
Part of overcoming a challenge many others do not face makes you feel unique and special. I am content with the obstacles that came into my life because it has shaped me into an empathetic person who can understand and assist anyone else with their struggles.

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship?
It means that I am closer to pursuing a dream career. It also means that kind individuals wish for me to succeed and will help me achieve it.

Laylo is a senior graduating from Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, Virginia.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
Many people have had an impact on my life, both positively and negatively, but no one has had a bigger impact than my mother. This woman is just amazing in my eyes because of the way she raised me. My mom always told me that if I set my goals high then it gives me something to reach for. She also taught me that I can do anything I set my mind on. She is always so supportive and believes in me regardless of the mistakes I’ve made along the way. She made sure that I never gave up and followed my passions.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
I am passionate about learning new languages. Currently, I can fluently speak Uzbek, Russian, and Turkish, but I hope to expand upon this.

Q: Where will you be attending college? ?
I am planning to attend VCU, but have not committed to a certain school just yet.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
I want to major in biology. After getting my bachelor's degree, I plan to attend medical school, but have not clearly decided what branch of medicine I want to pursue.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
I would advise younger students to not look poorly upon their mistakes, but rather learn from them. Through my high school years, I’ve learned the value of mistakes and how crucial they are for success. Mistakes that are not learned from often prevent achievements from occurring.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
I consider my ability to not give up as my strongest character trait. Whenever I face obstacles, I have strived to complete the task, no matter the struggle. For example, when I first came to the USA, I had zero clue of how to speak English. I was frequently teased because of my inability to speak English. Yet, I was able to use the obstacles as learning experiences and improve upon the language. Further, because I faced these obstacles, I was able to discover my passion for learning languages.

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship?
This scholarship grants me the opportunity to pursue a career I have been looking forward to since childhood. Since I was a kid, I’ve seen the positive impact that doctors have on the wounded. Although doctors might come up on patients that are incurable, they always give them hope and meaning to live life. Because of the impacts, I want to pursue a career in the medical field. I am so grateful for the GEA Scholarship and the impact it will have on my future career.

MacKenzie is a senior at Tunstall High School in Dry Fork, Virginia, and will be attending Longwood University.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
Both parents inspired me. My father taught me to work hard and my mother inspired me to be a teacher, and not quit when things become difficult.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
I’m passionate about working hard. I also love history and traveling to historic places in Virginia.

Q: Where will you be attending college?
I will be attending Longwood University.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
I want to focus on elementary and middle school education with a concentration in social sciences.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
I’d tell them not to stress too much and to make time to have fun. Make time for breaks because when you come back, you will have a new outlook.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
Independence, which allows me to work hard.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
I had to grow up faster than others and can handle a lot without getting too stressed. It makes me feel prepared for college.

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship?
Every penny counts, so it makes me feel proud, since I have worked hard to get where I am today.

Mariama is a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School and plans to attend James Madison University.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
My mother and brother helped me achieve my goals by always being there whenever I needed them.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
I am passionate about my education. I usually spend my time relaxing via travel.

Q: Where will you be attending college?
In the fall, I’m going to James Madison University.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
I want to be a nurse in the future.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
Never give up on your dreams and live your life as your most authentic self.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
Definitely being responsible is my strongest trait. I've always been responsible since a young age and it helped me mature faster and reach my goals.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
Yes, I learned how to be myself. And that the obstacles I've witnessed in my life have not weakened me, but made me stronger.

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship?
Receiving this scholarship has helped me see that if I work hard and focus on building a future for myself, good things will come.

Noah a senior at Courtland High School in Spotsylvania, Virginia, and will attend James Madison University.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
My dad has inspired me throughout my entire life. He works at a hospital, and I would always go to work with him on Saturdays. These visits are what sparked my interest in health care and is the reason why I want to be a physical therapist.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time? What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
I love playing sports for my school, such as cross country and track. I also like to play any sport or game with my friends and family. I used to spend a significant amount of time on my Xbox, but schoolwork and life has mostly taken that time away.

Q: Where will you be attending college?
In the fall semester of 2023, I plan to attend James Madison University. My parents met there, and my older brother will be a senior while I am attending.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
I plan to study kinesiology, the study of movement. With a degree in kinesiology, I plan to attend a post graduate school to get a doctorate. With these degrees, I will either become an athletic trainer or most likely a physical therapist.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
One piece of advice I would give to a younger student, or even someone older than me, is to not care about what people say. Do not take any negativity from people that do not understand what you are going through. Outside opinions of you should not impact your life.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
My strongest character trait is my ability to go with the flow. I have learned how to let things go, and how to follow the path of life. This trait has significantly reduced my stress and anxiety about the past and the future.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
Overcoming obstacles has been the main factor in making me who I am today. I have learned to cope with the bad things in life through talking and joking. I feel like a new person each time I overcome a new obstacle.

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship?
This scholarship puts me one step closer to being able to become a physical therapist. With the money from this scholarship, I can get through college with less financial stress and into the workforce with less debt.

Olivia will be graduating from Turner Ashby High School in Bridgewater, Virginia. She will attend the University of Virginia.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
My mom is an inspiration – she’s very hard-working and supportive.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
I’m involved with school clubs. I was the captain for my gymnastics and cheerleading teams. I also do community service and tutoring in my spare time.

Q: Where will you be attending college?
I’m pursuing a Nursing degree from UVA.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
I want to be a registered nurse and work in pediatrics.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait? Please explain.
I’m a passionate person. Anything I do, I am dedicated to it fully.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
I’d say to always keep your goals in mind and work toward them. But you also have to make time for yourself – be happy and have fun.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
Obstacles are hard to get over, but it's something everyone copes with. You have to make the best of it.

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship?
I’m honored that Allen & Allen saw potential in me.

Rushella is from Caroline High School and will be attending Virginia Tech in the fall.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
My sister is my inspiration. She worked to support the family along with our parents, and drove me to everything. She supports the things I love.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
I live on a farm and love animals. I love any chance I can get to be outside. I want to major in Poultry Science.

Q: Where will you be attending college?
I’ll be attending Virginia Tech.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
I want to study Animal and Poultry Science, and be a veterinarian. I would like to minor in business to be better at running my own practice.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
Always keep going, and always communicate. There may not seem like there is a way to get help, but if you communicate with your teachers, you can find a way and receive support and guidance.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
Communication! My main philosophy is that communication is everything. You can’t get help unless you communicate, and can’t help others if they don’t communicate either.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
Community support is available. It’s out there. You just have to take the chance.

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship?
It means a lot. I haven’t lived on a high income. Now I’ll be attending the school that I want, and choosing the major that I want.

Savannah is senior graduating from Amelia County High School.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
My family did – my parents, aunts, and uncles.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
I like spending time with family, playing softball, and fishing.

Q: Where will you be attending college?
I’m still deciding.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
I plan to study political science and government, then attend law school. I want to become a lawyer.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
I’d tell them not to give up, even if it’s hard. To think about the future.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
Determination.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
No matter how hard things can seem, they are often a lot easier than I imagined them to be.

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship?
I want to go into law, and learning always helps to boost my confidence.

Sydney attends Middlesex High School and will attend Christopher Newport University.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
Yes, my mom! She has been a huge help, especially with my education. She got her doctorate and encouraged my brother and I to strive to keep learning.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
I’m really into photography and started a mini business. One of the options I’m looking at for my future is being a photographer and having my own studio.

Q: Where will you be attending college?
I was accepted into Christopher Newport University.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
I’ll be studying Business Management – the goal is to then use that knowledge to get wherever I want to go.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
The education is going to be worth it in the end. It’s something useful – keep pushing through it!

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
I would say it’s being a leader and taking control when needed.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
Obstacles have changed me for the better, allowing me to learn to be more independent and learn how to take care of things myself. I do have a great family for support, and am learning how to support other people.

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship?
It helps me a lot – I’m hoping to one day create my own business. Education is very important to me and this scholarship will help me get one step closer to that