Nine local high school seniors will find it a little easier to pursue their higher education this fall, thanks to scholarship awards from the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce. The scholarship offered by the Region’s Chamber is unique in that only those students planning to attend a community college or vocational program are eligible. Selection criteria include a strong academic record, commitment to the community and well-defined career goals. Each recipient will receive $1,300.
Scholarship recipient Sami Haq of Freedom High School said that the scholarship, “Can help me to achieve the high goals I have set for myself.”
Shannon Lowry of Osbourn High School said, “With this scholarship, I am one step closer to completing my education and starting my dream career in nursing.”
The Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce began its scholarship program in 1987, with a single award of $500. Since 2000, the Chamber has given $94,400 in scholarships to 86 area students.
The program is made possible by the generosity of the Prince William business community. Cheeseburger in Paradise, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Outback Steakhouse and Uno Chicago Grill each host an annual fundraiser attended by members of the Chamber. Businesses also contribute prizes to be raffled off at Chamber events throughout the year. Additionally, Micron Technology contributed $3,000 towards the 2009-2010 Scholarship Program.
The 2009/2010 recipients were recognized during a special luncheon at the Hylton Boys and Girls Club. The event featured a panel discussion on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) educational initiatives in the Prince William region, which encompasses the County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. The panel was comprised of Dr. Sam Hill, Provost, Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC), Woodbridge Campus; Kerin Hilker-Balkissoon, Director, Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program, NVCC and Sharon Henry, Supervisor, Office of Community and Business Engagement, Prince William County Public Schools (PWCPS). Denyse Carroll, Regional CTE STEM Coordinator, PWCPS, served as the moderator.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
Stonewall Jackson High School Senior Aaron Ackers said that the influence of his father, who is a mason, and a summer job on a construction site led him to discover his love of building. Aaron has taken every engineering class offered at his school, maintaining a 3.4 GPA and developing a solid knowledge of Auto CAD. As president of his church’s youth group, Aaron regularly organizes charitable events for groups like SERVE. Aaron says that after attending Northern Virginia Community College, and then Virginia Tech, he plans to return to the Manassas area where he will help to build and maintain buildings in our community.
Morgan Campbell’s seemingly boundless energy will serve her well in her chosen field of athletic training. Morgan is Captain of the Varsity Cheerleaders and business manager of the school yearbook, as well as participating in Lacrosse, Peer Mentoring and SCA at Osbourn High School. Additionally, she works at Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center and is a frequent community volunteer, including raising $1,000 for Relay for Life—all while maintaining a 3.5 GPA!
Potomac Senior High School student
Emily Cribb is well on her way to sweet success. She dreams of being a pastry chef, and has been accepted into the Culinary Arts program at Northern Virginia Community College. She bakes at least weekly, supplying church, school and family celebrations with cupcakes. Emily also keeps busy on the Lacrosse field as a player and referee, as well as playing marching band and volunteering through her church youth group. Add to this advanced course study with a 3.08 GPA, and you have the recipe for a successful future.
At Freedom High School,
Sami Haq has gained real-world experience in his chosen field of computer technology, volunteering for the school’s SWAT team, which reconditions older computers to give to students who cannot afford computers. Sami has participated in the Center for the Natural and Environmental Science at Freedom, and often volunteers to help school administrators and counselors. Sami’s volunteerism extends beyond school, including participating in food and clothing drives at his mosque and serving as a Junior ROTC veteran escort. Sami is the youngest of six children, and looks forward to be the first in his family to go to college.
It is easy to see why Battlefield High School counselor Elizabeth Chase-Kang describes
Joseph Hillhouse as “hardworking and ambitious.” The accomplished senior works is a Certified Expert for Adobe Flex and AIR, working as an ACT! Consultant. He is saving money from this position in hopes of hiring developers to help him complete his software application project, and is also designing an application that combines Facebook and YouTube. Joseph’s volunteer activities include participating in the Science National Honor Society Outreach Program, March of Dimes and robotics mentorship. Joseph’s hard work shows in his grades as well, with a 3.98 GPA.
As she finishes her first year of the Practical Nursing class at Osbourn Park High School,
Shannon Lowry, who boasts a 3.7 GPA, has begun the journey towards her dream of being a nurse in a free clinic. Shannon demonstrates leadership in her classes, serving as class treasurer, implementing a homework pass system and designing cakes for graduating nursing students. She is also active in mentoring, recycling and tutoring programs at Osbourn Park. She stays busy beyond school as well, dancing and teaching at the Virginia Dance Center and volunteering at the Manassas Museum.
Harris Tanveer says that his primary immediate goal is to do well in college—with his GPA of 4.4, we have no doubt he will succeed. Harris volunteers in the Virginia Star Program, fixing donated computers so that they can be given to families in need. Additionally, he tutors other students at Freedom High School, serves as FBLA President and works for Prince William County Schools as a Theatre Technician. Ultimately Harris plans to obtain a Masters Degree in Computer Networking and continue following his passion for connecting people through technology.
Her own experience with injury inspired
Alina Sothoron to pursue a career in physical therapy, which she refers to as “a career of miracles.” To prepare, her studies have included a number of advanced placement science courses at Forest Park High School. Originally from Russia, Alina has also enjoyed her Russian studies. Her 3.9 GPA demonstrate that she is a dedicated learner who will obtain her goal of helping others as a physical therapist.
With today’s scholarship award,
Ana Vasquez is one step closer to her dream of being the first in her family to attend college and to becoming a registered nurse. Ana strives to be a good role model for her young daughter, managing to balance teen motherhood with the challenging IB program at Stonewall Jackson High School, participating in activities such as Model UN, Rotary Club and Spanish National Honor Society and working in the child care center. Ana has already been accepted into the nursing program at Northern Virginia Community College, and looks forward to a career of helping others in the community.
Here's what's in store for you at the next Prince William Chamber's GovCon Council program on December 13th:
