VCEF Scholarships for 2010: All 8!
A new scholarship offered by VCEF for the first time in 2010 is to a Future Educators of America (FEA) member. The first recipient is Caroline Bender, graduate of Granby High School in Norfolk. Caroline was a member and leader of FEA throughout high school and took the dual enrollment course Teachers for Tomorrow. She was in the International Baccalaureate program and graduated fifth in her class with a GPA of 4.4. Caroline has always wanted to be a teacher and will pursue that dream at the University of Mary Washington where she will pursue degrees in elementary education and special education. The scholarship will be awarded during the VATFACS conference July 27 in Virginia Beach. Caroline’s instructor was Judy H. Gulledge.
Anthony Todd Brickey, Jr., FFA member from Fort Chiswell High School, was presented a $1000 scholarship certificate in Blacksburg, June 23 during the FFA State Conference. With a GPA of 3.9 and graduating fourth in his class, Anthony was active in FFA leadership throughout high school. He interned with the USDA Department of Natural resources and will attend Virginia Tech in the fall to major in Forestry and Environmental Management. Anthony earned over 40 college credits during high school while attending the Southwest Virginia Governor’s School for Math, Science, and Technology. One of his references stated, “He is one of our future leaders and he has a heart for protecting the resources we will need for our future.” His advisor is Anthony Watson.
The scholarship recipient from VA SkillsUSA this year is a member of the Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center chapter, where for three years he has taken courses in Information Technologies Pathways, Computer Systems and Telecommunications. He has competed and placed in SkillsUSA at the state and national levels and serves as an ambassador for his school. He plans to attend George Mason University in the fall to continue his studies in computer engineering. In addition to his academic and technical achievements, he is described by his advisors and administrators as: “fascinated with life and learning” . . . ”a pleasure to be around” . . . “always upbeat ” . . . “compassionate” . . . “always puts the interests of others ahead of his own . . . “ Thank you to his advisors Timothy McLeod and Meaghan O’Connor — and congratulations to Steven Lindner, VCEF scholarship recipient for 2010!
Marquita Pickett, Grayson County High School, was announced as the winner of the VCEF scholarship for Virginia Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) at their state conference on Sunday, April 18, 2010. Marquita has been active in FCCLA for five years, serving in leadership positions at the local and state levels including serving as state vice president for STAR events. Inspired by her FCCLA advisor and wanting to have that same influence and impact on her students, Marquita plans to attend Bridgewater College in the fall to major in education.
Gregory Varley, DECA
The DECA recipient Gregory Varley received his certificate in Norfolk on Friday evening, March 12th. A senior at Chantilly High School, Greg has two passions: marketing and music. Greg serves as chapter president for DECA and has competed on the District, State and National levels. Band achievements include: trumpet section leader, Best Drum Major award, World Class Category drumline and first place in open class, American Music Abroad Tour of Europe, National Concert Band Festival, and member of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade “Great American Marching Band” Member – one of 30 in the US. Greg plans to attend Christopher Newport University and major in Marketing. His ultimate goal is to work for the Walt Disney Company. Greg’s advisor is Shelley B. Gaffin.
HOSA’s scholarship was presented to Thien Nguyen, J.E.B. Stuart High School senior on Saturday evening, March 13th, during their awards gala. Arriving in the US just 2 1/2 years ago from Viet Nam, Thien has maintained a 4.0 GPA and is enrolled in a dual credit course at George Mason University. She has won recognition in chemistry at national competitions in Australia and Viet Nam, is a certified Pharmacy Technician, and member of the National Honor Society and Math Honor Society. She placed first in medical math competition at VAHOSA for two years. In addition to serving as VA HOSA regional vice president for two years and competing at the national HOSA conference in 2008, Thien is co-chair of the Model UN and participates in ten other organizations. She volunteers in several community agencies and works 15-20 hours per week in a medical and dental office. She plans to attend UVA to pursue pre-med studies with a major in biology. To realize her goal of becoming a physician will be “a gift to her parents, an opportunity to thank them, and to offer help in her community.” Thien’s advisor is Julianna Bachmann.
