2017 Stuart Educational Foundation Scholarship Recipients
In 2017, the Foundation was pleased to be able to award scholarships to 62 motivated and deserving students. Here is just a sample of their inspiring stories.
Bezawit immigrated to the United States with her father from Ethiopia just before her high school years began. She adapted to her new home, moving from ESOL classes to Honors English during her freshman year. Throughout high school, she was active as a community volunteer including serving as a Sunday school teacher and was elected to be Vice President of Stuart’s Interact Club. One teacher wrote, “Bezawit is one of the most caring people I have ever met in my teaching career and my life.” All of her Bezawit’s recommendations applauded her determination, hard work, and leadership skills. She was one of 20 participants selected for First Lady Michelle Obama’s two-year Leadership and Mentor Program at the White House. She was also a participant in the Young Leader's program at George Washington University—which refined her interpersonal and team-building skills. Bezawit is attending the University of Virginia.
A first-generation college student, Jhonnathon seeks to be a role model for his younger siblings. He challenged himself academically as a full IB Diploma candidate while working as a cashier to help support his family. He also found time to volunteer as a co-instructor to teach children marital arts and to train in Taekwondo, Nippon Kempo, and Judo. Jhonnathon is a member of United for Social Justice, a non-profit organization whose mission is to enable more low-income and at-risk students access higher education. One teacher recommendation stated, “Jhonnathan hands down has made the greatest impact in my five years of teaching. Jhonnathan is humble, kind, possesses empathy, and loyalty that goes beyond his years.” He plans to study Business and Accounting at NVCC.
Anh immigrated to US from Vietnam when she was 10 knowing no English. She volunteered each year at Beech Tree Elementary’s Fun Fair as her way of thanking her teachers with helping her master a new language. During high school, Anh volunteered regularly with the Vietnamese American Culture Center serving lunch at a shelter for the homeless, as a tutor with the National Honor Society, and at many Key Club events. Anh has played the violin since 5th grade and was selected concertmaster of the Stuart Chamber Orchestra and principal of the 2nd violin section in the District Honor Orchestra. She was an IB Diploma candidate excelling in math and science. She was a member of the Stuart High School team that won 4th place in the Virginia Science Bowl competition. Anh is attending the University of Virginia where she looks forward to studying Kinesiology.
When Nooreldean was in middle school, his family moved to Egypt for three years and experienced first hand the Egyptian revolution which he credits with instilling in him a respect for the value of education. He became determined to be the first in his family to go to college. At Stuart High School, he was an IB Diploma candidate as well as an active member in a number of clubs including Arabic Club, Muslim Student Association, Chess Club, National Honor Society, and Ingenium, the recycling club. He volunteered at his Mosque’s food bank and worked in retail. He also pursued his hobby of computer animation throughout his high school years. One teacher noted that his demonstrated abilities in critical thinking, creative thinking, and communication will serve him well in his post-high-school studies. Nooreldean is attending George Mason University where he plans to study engineering and computer science.
In 2001, Eva immigrated from Bangladesh with her family. One teacher wrote, “When I think of Eva, a smile crosses my face. She's one of the kindest, most compassionate, most creative, and most academically driven people I have come across in ten years at Stuart.” Eva was an active member of the Key Club volunteering regularly with the children at a local shelter. Her love of reading is reflected in her four-year membership in Stuart’s Book Club. She helped guide the club as vice-president her senior year. Eva attends George Mason University where she will pursue her interest in Information Technology.
A first-generation college student, Anny embraced the educational opportunities available to her at Stuart High School and beyond. She was an IB Diploma Candidate and Co-President of the Spanish Honor Society. At The Women for Science WiSci2015, a three-week STEM program in Rwanda, she was inspired by her interactions with the girls from all over the world. She went from learning programming and robotics at the Willston Multi-Cultural Center Computer Clubhouse to becoming a mentor and instructor for younger students. She also helped design a tutoring program for students at Glen Forest Elementary School to help raise students' achievement on SOL tests. Anny is studying at American University where she anticipates majoring in International Relations or Computer Science.
Saul immigrated to the US from Bolivia at age of 8 with his family to join his father. He has a passion for music and has pursued his hobby of producing and engineering music throughout high school including teaching himself how to use composition software—even producing his own album. He was elected to represent his peers in student government during his junior and senior years. A first-generation college student, Saul attends James Madison University where he wants to major in Nursing to improve the lives of others.