2019 Scholarship Recipients

Sarah is a senior at Mountain View High School.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

A: Receiving this scholarship means that hard work and constant determination can be recognized. It also means that Allen & Allen will become part of my continuing success story as I move into the next chapter of my life. It also provides me with an example of how important it is to give back to the community and people who provided me with the opportunities to succeed.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?

A: My mother is an inspiration because she taught me to never give up on my dreams and always encourages me to work hard. Not only does my mother encourage me but gives me all the tools necessary to be successful among my hearing peers.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

A: I enjoy drawing and photography, along with running, playing the oboe, and hosting exchange students.

Q: What organizations are you involved in? Do you hold any leadership roles?

A: I am a patient advocate and conference speaker for Earicles Microtia and Atresia, which is a nonprofit organization designed to help provide surgical repair to children born with craniofacial deformities; and a patient advocate and conference speaker for Oticon Medical who provide state of the art hearing solutions for atresia patients.

Q: Where will you be attending college?

A: I will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?

A: I plan on majoring in either business or engineering as I have an interest in both career fields. Once I decide on a specific major I will then begin looking at career plans.

Q: What advice would you give to younger students who may be facing similar challenges as you?

A: The best advice I would give to younger students who may be facing similar challenges is to dream big, never give up and to self-advocate. I purposed early on never to let my disability become an excuse but a reminder to work as hard as it takes to achieve success.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?

A: Determined defines who I am because I never give up on the challenges life brings my way. Once I set a goal and prepare a plan to achieve it, I work as hard as possible to complete that goal without excuse.

Q: How do you feel that overcoming an obstacle like this one has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?

A: It changed me from being a hopeless orphan without a future to a hopeful student who through hard work and determination can and will reach my goals.

Peyton is graduating from Glen Allen High School this spring.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

A: It’s a great way of knowing that I am validated. It’s a quantitative way of measuring what I overcame in high school that other people didn’t.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?

A: My stepfather. He assumed the role of parent and when my mom died he was given all these roles as parent that he didn’t sign up for but has taken them passionately. He’s inspired me to work my hardest and do what I want with my education.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

A: I like running cross country and track. I am captain of the cross country team. I also enjoy working. I volunteer at Greenwood Elementary School in a kindergarten classroom and am the founding co-captain of Glen Allen High School Relay for Life. In my free time I love exploring different restaurants in Richmond, playing with dogs, and traveling.

Q: Where will you be attending college?

A: I will be going to the University of Virginia.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?

A: I want to do Biology/PreMed in college and then become an OBGYN or some sort of doctor.

Q: What advice would you give to younger students facing similar challenges as you?

A: Just because something awful happened to you doesn’t mean that other people aren’t facing things at the same time. While I may have experienced outrageous things, they’re just as meaningful to me as any other problem. Everyone’s feelings should be validated. It’s all about perspective.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?

A: I like helping and nurturing people and the idea of being in school a while because I like being a student. I am also very honest.

Q: How do you feel that overcoming an obstacle like this one has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?

A: Just how everyone is everyone’s feelings are valid. It’s given me the perspective to realize the important things in life. Education has helped me focus not on the grade but focus and learn about the material. It’s helped me find more meaning out of life activities, including education; I have more appreciation for everything.

Paul is a homeschooled senior in Smithfield, Virginia.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

A: It means I will have help doing college payments.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?

A: My mom has been a major help with getting everything done and keeping me on track.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

A: I love doing Karate and am involved in Church Youth Group. I also watch educational YouTube videos for things like science, math, and history. I also love to play games.

Q: What organizations are you involved in? Do you hold any leadership roles?

A: I am the Treasurer/Historian/Web Manager for the Xi Pi Chapter of the Eta Sigma Alpha Honor society for homeschooled students. I also volunteer at my local library.

Q: Where will you be attending college?

A: Very likely William & Mary.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?

A: Maybe Math, Physics or Computer Science. I might do a double major. I want to work for NASA or SpaceX or something along those lines. I don’t know what job I want yet though. I love running numbers and equations.

Q: What advice would you give to younger students facing similar challenges as you?

A: Don’t lose it, stay calm during situations and don’t panic. Consistently work through problem after problem until you get it done.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?

A: I’d say I like to learn. I’m a fan of learning. I spend a lot of time on YouTube looking at educational videos.

Q: How do you feel that overcoming an obstacle like this one has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?

A: I’ve learned that life isn’t going to be fun or easy – you have to keep taking hits and pushing them back.

Maria currently attends Atlee High School.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

A: Honestly I thought I wouldn’t get it so I was really surprised!

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?

A: My dad. He pushes me a lot to do things I’m not used to doing.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

A: I love to play soccer, shop, and watch shows on Netflix.

Q: What organizations are you involved in? Do you hold any leadership roles?

A: I do the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program and am in the Ginter Park Presbyterian Church Youth Group. I am also a teaching assistant for the Chickahominy Middle School Spanish II Class.

Q: Where will you be attending college?

A: ODU. (Old Dominion University)

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?

A: Criminology. I want to be an interpreter for FBI Agent

Q: What advice would you give to younger students facing similar challenges as you?

A: Just to never give up. Never doubt yourself that you’re not as smart as other people.

Q: What do you consider your strongest trait?

A: Translating for people who speak Spanish.

Q: How do you feel that overcoming an obstacle like this one has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?

A: I think that I learned that I tried to stay positive and not to doubt myself as much in school. I didn’t think I was as smart as other people but then I got into my schoolwork and got better at it.

Iqra is graduating from Freedom High School in the spring.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

A: It means a lot knowing that there are people out there who will appreciate you because you have been through so much and have survived. They are willing to assist you because they understand your adversities and background.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?

A: The class of 2019 at my school. They helped me gain my voice and speak my mind. Everyone here has played a role in me being who I am today.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

A: I volunteer a lot at Sentara Hospital. I also enjoy spending time with family time and watching Greys Anatomy. I also enjoy doing math problems and reading realistic fiction.

Q: What organizations are you involved in? Do you hold any leadership roles?

A: I am the Junior Lead at Sentara Hospital, President of the National Honor Society, Chair of Model United Nations, and facilitator for book club.

Q: Where will you be attending college?

A: Harvard University

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?

A: Neuroscience and Psychology; minor in Civil Rights

Q: What advice would you give to younger students facing similar challenges as you?

A: The contest of life is a fight. Keep your chin up, shoulders up, look proud. The scars you bear are signs of a competitor. You will get somewhere one day, even if you don’t win, block out fear, and you will achieve the best.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?

A: Making people smile. It makes my heart warm.

Q: How do you feel that overcoming an obstacle like this one has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?

A: It’s definitely given me worth. If I hadn’t been through what I had, I wouldn’t be as grateful for my life. I wouldn’t believe in others or myself as much as I do know.

Joshua attends Grace Christian High School.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

A: It means a lot. I never thought I would receive a scholarship like this kind of thing. It helps to see other people to see my hardships and successes as accomplishments. It’s validation of what I’ve done.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?

A: My aunt and uncle, Donna and Ronny Andrews. They’ve helped me overcome my issues and get me through. They’ve also helped me with my work ethic.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

A: I love playing soccer and running, exercising in general. .

Q: What organizations are you involved in? Do you hold any leadership roles?

A: I’m the treasurer for Student Government, member of the Youth Philanthropy Council and treasurer of Rotary Club at school.

Q: Have you decided on a major?

A: Architecture.

Q: What advice would you give to younger students facing similar challenges as you?

A: I would say find someone to trust in. For me it’s in my faith in God and my family. Finding a strong holding is important. I know what you’re going through is bad right now but it will get better. As long as you keep trying and living it’ll take some time but it will resolve itself.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?

A: I’m very energetic. It helps make me a lot more passionate and caring for how I do things. It helps my outlook to get me more excited, which also gets others excited.

Q: How do you feel that overcoming an obstacle like this one has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?

A: It’s given me a serious work ethic, and the value of time and outlook on life. Catch any moment you can.

Katarina is a senior at King George High School.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

A: It means that I really make an impact on other people. That’s what I want to do. Make an impact on people with similar limitations as I do.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?

A: My family and friends are supportive of me. And I tend to block out the people aren’t. Especially my father. He has always pushed me to work hard and instilled in me a drive to keep pushing harder.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

A: I like to play piano and sing. I also like to swim and ride my bike.

Q: What organizations are you involved in? Do you hold any leadership roles?

A: National Honor Society and DECA .

Q: Where will you be attending college?

A: VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University). They provide great accommodations for me!

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?

A: Health, Physical Education, and Exercise Science. Then I want to go into Speech Pathology but they don’t have a program for that yet.

Q: What advice would you give to younger students facing similar challenges as you?

A: Don’t give up. Find a good support system.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?

A: I would say hardworking. Sometimes it’s also a greatest weakness because I don’t know when to stop!

Q: How do you feel that overcoming an obstacle like this one has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?

A: It’s made me more empathetic towards others. When you don’t have a disability you don’t see the world through a lens that someone with one does. You don’t treat people the way they should be treated or design things the way they should be designed. You can’t heal others or fix others because it’ll just end up hurting you in the end.

Shelby attends Cosby High School.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

A: It’s really special because I’ve always wanted to go to USC, but since it is out of state it’s more expensive. My parents said I couldn’t do it if it wouldn’t pay off if it wasn’t worth the money, so it allows me to go to my dream school and pursue my goals there.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?

A: My parents are successful and have inspired me to do well in school and have high goals for myself.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

A: I do competitive cheerleading at Same Allstars and I’ve been doing that for 5 years. I like being active and running and working out.

Q: What organizations are you involved in? Do you hold any leadership roles?

A: I am a member of the National Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society and HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) Club. I’ve also been on the Cosby Cheerleading Squad for 4 years.

Q: Where will you be attending college?

A: University of South Carolina.

Q: Have you decided on a major?

A: Exercise Science.

Q: What advice would you give to younger students facing similar challenges as you?

A: Just to embrace where you are and don’t focus on the things that you have to do that you don’t like but rather why you’re doing them so you can be successful in the future. Always have a goal you’re working towards.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?

A: Probably perseverance. I try to not think of problems of things that can stop me, but as an opportunity to better myself.

Q: How do you feel that overcoming an obstacle like this one has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?

A: I’ve learned that there is a way around problems. There’s nothing that is absolutely going to stop you from doing what you want to do, so sometimes you have to get creative to find that way around it.

Andrew is a senior at King William High School.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

A: It makes me feel honored that I was chosen out of so many people based on what I’ve done in my community. It’s just really nice and helps pay for college which is just an added benefit, but just the recognition is amazing.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

A: I enjoy going to the Cornerstone on Saturday mornings and volunteering, whether it’s helping give out food or packing bags to give out for the next week. I also really enjoy spending time with friends and family, hiking, camping and fishing.

Q: What organizations are you involved in? Do you hold any leadership roles?

A: I have been in the National Honor Society for 2 years. I’m in my JROTC program and am a flight leader in that and in charge in all of the other flight leaders. I’ve received numerous awards in JROTC. I was also one of the leaders for the high school’s varsity scholastical team.

Q: Where will you be attending college?

A: Longwood University.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?

A: Business Administration. I’m going to try to work at the Defense Supply System in Richmond and work in Marine Aviation.

Q: What advice would you give to younger students facing similar challenges as you?

A: I would say don’t be scared of embracing what you’re going through and always try and find the best possible solution, even if it’s not the easiest.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?

A: I would say being a good leader. I like to take charge of things because I like to communicate with people get opinions and help people get along. I’d prefer to take charge and help people get along to accomplish a task.

Q: How do you feel that overcoming an obstacle like this one has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?

A: They have definitely humbled me and have helped me to think outside of the box and do things differently than people normally would. I’ve found different and sometimes more effective ways to do something.

Destiny is graduating from Skyline High School this spring.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

A: It means the world to me! It’s very beneficial. Being able to have the extra help knowing I’m putting myself through makes me feel better about my situation.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?

A: Considering I’ve been on my own, probably just me. My mother’s friend Megan has been very helpful too.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun? What are you involved in?

A: I work a lot, coach for little leader cheerleaders, I am in the National Honors Society and volunteer in places that interest me. I also babysit a lot to make some extra money.

Q: Where will you be attending college?

A: Radford University. I was accepted into the honors college!

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?

A: Nursing. Want to be a nurse.

Q: What advice would you give to younger students facing similar challenges as you?

A: There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. No matter what you’re going through you can make it better for yourself if you just try.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?

A: My compassion for others is very strong. I think that I care a lot. I’m respectful and care deeply.

Q: How do you feel that overcoming an obstacle like this one has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?

A: It’s changed me in many ways. Made me stronger, more independent, and given me a stronger work ethic. Going through life and learning from it has made me grow as an individual.

Elizabeth is a senior at Colonial Beach High School.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

A: It means a lot because I don’t come from a wealthy family. It was very important that I could come from being a class clown to where I am now earning scholarships.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?

A: My grandmother.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

A: I love to play volleyball, hang with friends, help my dad, be outside, and work to save money. I also volunteer with 4H.

Q: Where will you be attending college?

A: Christopher Newport University.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?

A: Sociology and follow up through pre-law and continue to work to become a defense attorney.

Q: What advice would you give to younger students facing similar challenges as you?

A: Cutting class isn’t worth it. It’s better to focus on your future early because being last minute isn’t going to help.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?

A: I’m very headstrong and determined. I like to have a game plan and be ready for things. I don’t like to be caught off guard, so I’m prepared for anything.

Q: How do you feel that overcoming an obstacle like this one has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?

A: It’s made me more humble. One of my hardships was not having mom around. I have to depend on myself. It helps you find yourself more than you think.

Madelyn will be graduating from Halifax County High School this spring.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

A: It means that God always looks out for people. I’ve been taking a break from scholarships because I had so much pressure with schoolwork and my issues and with scholarship it was a lot of pressure so I had to stop for a little.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?

A: My parents. They have always been there for me, especially for my emotional issues. They tell me to do my best.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

A: I like crafting, reading, and watching TV.

Q: What organizations are you involved in? Do you hold any leadership roles?

A: I am a year round volunteer for Operation Christmas Child.

Q: Where will you be attending college?

A: Longwood University

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?

A: Communications Science and Disorders to be a speech language pathologist.

Q: What advice would you give to younger students facing similar challenges as you?

A: Take time for yourself. I had the mentality that if I wasn’t working on schoolwork all night, I wasn’t the best student. I learned that wasn’t true because eventually it caused me to break. It’s important to make time for other things.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?

A: Loyalty. I always am there when a friend needs me to offer advice and encouragement.

Q: How do you feel that overcoming an obstacle like this one has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?

A: I’m still learning and dealing with issues and frustration. I’ve learned that when you have emotional issues you think you won’t get out of it, but you always will.

Macy attends Rappahannock County High School.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

A: It means a great deal. The money means a lot. I’m glad people see what I wrote and see where I’m coming from.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?

A: I would say my grandparents. It’s kind of funny because I’ve never actually met them. They passed away before I was able to meet them. My grandfather had Type II diabetes and died from a heart attack and my grandmother had Leukemia. They inspired me to go into medicine.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

A: I do love to go hiking! I’ve been going to Shenandoah National Park since I was very young. My dad used to take me camping and hiking. I also love hanging out with my friends.

Q: What organizations are you involved in? Do you hold any leadership roles?

A: I’m very involved in my Church with Youth Group and Bible Study. I am the Class President and just completed a fundraiser for a trip to Boston. I’m the Vice President of Student Council where I help plan dances like Homecoming and the Teacher Luncheon. I am the President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I also do a lot of community service through the Leadership Experience Opportunity Community Service Club like volunteering at the food pantry and cleaning up roads. I am currently the president. I’m involved with the National Honor Society. I also have started a project to provide and coordinate putting glucose gel packets in classrooms to prevent low blood sugars of Type 1 diabetic students in the classroom.

Q: Where will you be attending college?

A: Liberty University

Q: Have you decided on a major?

A: Biomedical Sciences

Q: What advice would you give to younger students facing similar challenges as you?

A: Relax because everything will get done. You just have to manage your time. Work hard in school but also play. Enjoy yourself. If you don’t, you won’t enjoy school

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?

A: I’d say probably a perfectionist. I work really hard and I want to make sure what I do is correct.

Q: How do you feel that overcoming an obstacle like this one has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?

A: Type I Diabetes was definitely an obstacle. My diet was already good, but I had to make sure everything was correct. The perfectionist came out in me. But I also learned to relax a little bit. School is hard enough as it is, but with diabetes it can be difficult to manage everything. I just had to know everything will get done.

Kristin is a graduating senior from Fort Defiance High School.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

A: Receiving this scholarship means not only financial stability, but also that the people that give the scholarship can see the benefits of giving it.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?

A: I would say my dad. He’s a really hard worker and taught me to get where you want to go you have to work for it.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

A: I have a lot of animals that I love playing with. I also love hanging out with friends and reading.

Q: What organizations are you involved in? Do you hold any leadership roles?

A: I’m on the debate team and have been the Team Captain for 3 years. I am the Vice President of the National Honor Society and am the Band President and Drum Manager for the Marching Band.

Q: Where will you be attending college?

A: JMU (James Madison University)

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?

A: Political Science and double minor in Interdisciplinary Studies and Political Communications. I want to be a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Lawyer

Q: What advice would you give to younger students facing similar challenges as you?

A: I would tell them that it’s okay to talk to people and have people to rely on. Family, friends, teachers, mentors of any kind. It’s easier going through stages of life with a support group.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?

A: Probably time management. I attend the Governor’s School so I have a lot of activities going outside of school so I have to balance it all.

Q: How do you feel that overcoming an obstacle like this one has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?

A: I would say that, going into college and eventually law school, having connections with people that will help you get over your obstacles is very helpful.

Fozia will be graduating from Mills E. Godwin High School in the spring.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

A: It means so much to me. My biggest worry with going to college was “how will I pay for this?” I could work in college, but if I do, I won’t have enough time to study properly. When I got this I was really happy. I’m really grateful.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?

A: My mother, of course.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

A: I like hanging out with my sister and hanging out with my family on Sunday. It’s my mother’s only day off, so our family enjoys having a traditional coffee.

Q: What organizations are you involved in? Do you hold any leadership roles?

A: I am in the Latin Club and Medical Club and outside of school I volunteer at Chippenham Hospital.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?

A: I want to major in Biology. I will be going through Pre-Med to get my certificate and go to medical school. I want to be a pediatrician.

Q: What advice would you give to younger students facing similar challenges as you?

A: I would give them just don’t give up on your dream. Everyone faces difficulties at some point in their life, just know you will get past it you won’t stay there, just try your hardest and your best.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?

A: I think I’m very kind. What I come from everyone lives in real poverty; my father’s mother likes to give and donate with the little she has. My mother likes to help people too of a so I think I got it from them. She is a great role model.

Q: How do you feel that overcoming an obstacle like this one has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?

A: It’s made me a stronger woman. I can be independent; I know more of the world. I have experiences for the future. If I’m in a problem I know how to get out of it. I will be able to tackle the world, because I’ve been there.