2019 Named Scholarship Recipients
Over the years, some of our donors have contributed to scholarships created to honor specific individuals or groups. Below are the profiles of the 2019 Named Scholarship awardees.
Decorate a Vet Scholarship
Wintana was a full IB Diploma Candidate at Justice High School. Aside from her academic achievements, she found time to volunteer with a tutoring program called GIVE. Wintana also is active in her church both as a teacher and a participant in the chorus. Her teacher described Wintana as “an active participant in her community who does not overlook her role within that community.” A first generation college student, Wintana is attending Brandeis University and plans to become an Experimental Psychologist.
Jeremy Munga Scholarship
Erik was an exceptional athlete who played three sports while at Justice High School. He played on the football team all four years. Erik’s coaches describe him as a “great role model” and one who “always encourages others during tough work outs and is there to help the person in the back of the sprints finish.” He is always respectful to every student, regardless of grade level or athletic ability.” Erik is the first in his family to attend college. He is studying at Virginia Commonwealth University and hopes to become a clinical pathologist or cancer researcher.
Harriet "Ozzi" Mask Scholarship
Jaci played violin with the Justice Orchestra all four years. She has been passionate about music since beginning violin lessons in fourth grade. Jaci says, “It has taught me how to communicate and express myself to others. Hopefully, after I graduate, I’ll be able to teach others about music.” Her teacher recommendations describe a student who has developed into a strong leader and mentor of friends and peers. Jaci will be attending Northern Virginia Community College and plans on studying Music Technology.
Norene Thomas Scholarship
Luis is the first generation in his family to attend college. Luis’s teacher described him as “the kind of guy you want to have care for your kids or operate on your heart or design your next home or be responsible for missile codes.” More than one teacher paired him up with struggling students knowing he would quietly help them improve their study skills. While on the crew team his senior year, he served as a role model for younger rowers. Luis discovered his passion for math while at Justice High School and says he has always enjoyed building or designing things. He is pursuing these interests at George Mason University where he will be studying Mechanical Engineering.
Svendsen Memorial Scholarship
Ivett arrived from Honduras just two years ago, but she worked hard to improve her English and managed to attain a 4.0 GPA at Justice High School. In addition to earning exceptional grades, she had perfect school attendance, planned events for her Leadership class and had an after school job. Teachers describe Ivett as “a remarkable student who is both a leader and a mentor.” She will be the first generation in her family to attend college. Ivett is attending NOVA and hopes to transfer to George Mason and study computer science.