The Ozzie Mask Scholarship is awarded to a student who wishes to pursue his or her education in education, journalism, music, or theater. Katherine, this year’s recipient, will study elementary education at James Madison University. She wanted to become a teacher because her own elementary school teacher made her feel she belonged there and had the ability to learn when she felt intimidated on the first day. She has been preparing herself by serving as a mentor at a local elementary school, taking a class called Teaching For Tomorrow, and advising girls as a youth group leader at Saint Anthony. She shows leadership and maturity as the managing editor of the yearbook, balancing encouragement and accountability. Katherine’s Justice teachers see her demonstrating strengths of great teachers already, such as jumping in to help fellow students who are struggling and holding others accountable to perform at the level she knows they are capable of.

Hank started his music career at age four and by middle school had mastered four instruments. He then fell in love with the cello and with the help of dedicated teachers pursued this instrument and trained himself to read music. Hank feels he has benefited from the DC area community of teachers and musicians, and he participates in this community as a student, a performer, and as a teacher himself. He performs any chance he gets, often with the District of Columbia Youth Orchestra Program. His orchestra teacher writes he was a leader in their class, always helping his classmates, and he enjoyed visiting middle and elementary schools to guide the younger musicians. While pursuing his musical development, Hank maintained a stellar GPA, taking many difficult honors and International Baccalaureate courses. Through his studies in Virginia Tech’s music department, he is sure to achieve his goal of becoming a solo cellist. Hank is the recipient of a scholarship in honor of the late Norene Thomas, an ardent supporter of our school’s band program.

Nancy and Eric Svendsen Memorial Scholarship

Lesly began to learn English when she came to this country as a fifth grader. During her years at Justice HS, according to her counselor, Lesly was excited every day about her opportunity to learn. She tackled nine honors and International Baccalaureate courses, achieving a very good GPA. She was always quick to offer help to new students as they tried to communicate with others. One teacher wrote Lesly “believes that community comes before self and happiness is reached through serving others.” Lesly lives up to this philosophy by tutoring young children every Saturday and caring for her younger siblings. She is sure to bring her enthusiasm for learning and service to her future studies at Northern Virginia Community College and beyond, fulfilling her dream of being the first in her family to earn a university degree. Lesly is the recipient of the Svenson Memorial Scholarship, in honor of the late Nancy Svenson, who was a beloved ESOL teacher at our high school for sixteen years.

Nancy J. Weisgerber Scholarship

Honoring Nancy Weisgerber, a former principal of Stuart HS, the Weisgerber Scholarship celebrates her commitment to education and concern for, and belief in, the goodness of others. Like the scholarship’s namesake, Robert, this year’s recipient, intends to become a teacher and is known for his kindness and steadfast support of others. As president of Justice Minds Matter, Robert used his own experience with depression to help other students and promote mental health awareness. The son of El Salvadoran immigrants, Robert also looks after his younger sister, translates for his parents, and shares his culture at school and in the community—including serving as the lead chambelan for a friend’s quinceañera celebration. Robert will study history at Virginia Tech, and he intends to step outside his comfort zone, taking every opportunity to learn, grow, and elevate his self-confidence.