Educate Fairfax awarded a record $91,500 in scholarships to 47 students from 18 Fairfax County Public Schools high schools during its second annual Beyond the Tassel celebration, according to a June 2 announcement. The event recognized the accomplishments and aspirations of graduating seniors.
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid said she was grateful for the support provided by individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and organizations. “Their support demonstrates the power of community and their belief in the promise and potential of every student,” Reid said. “Congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients as they begin their next chapter. We are so proud of you, and I know you will continue to make a positive difference in our world.”
The ceremony brought together scholarship recipients, families, educators, donors, and community leaders to honor students for their hard work and service. Scholarship support increased by more than 50% compared to last year’s total of $60,000.
Lynette Henry, executive director of Educate Fairfax, addressed attendees about community investment in young people’s futures. “Because donors, families, foundations, educators, and community partners said ‘yes,’ Educate Fairfax is proud to award $91,500 in scholarships,” Henry said. “This is our largest scholarship investment yet and a powerful reminder that access to opportunity can change the trajectory of a student’s future.” She also encouraged students by sharing her own experiences overcoming adversity: “Success is not always a straight line,” Henry told students. “There will be moments of challenge and uncertainty but tonight should remind you… You are capable…and you have an entire community cheering you on as you move beyond the tassel.”
Scholarship recipients included Lake Braddock Secondary School senior Gretchen Parrott—who plans to study biology at William & Mary—and Mount Vernon High School senior Joshua Osei-Nimoh—who plans to study cybersecurity at Old Dominion University. Parrott said: “Not only having the support of this community but also financial support is amazing…I’m so grateful and don’t know what I would do without them.” Osei-Nimoh credited youth programs with shaping his future: “Receiving scholarships opened my eyes and motivated me to work even harder…You are doing life-changing things.”
The Beyond the Tassel celebration was created both for scholarship recipients and those who help remove financial barriers for higher education through partnerships with organizations such as FABSE; ITServe Alliance; Think Big For Kids; REACH IN US Foundation; several memorial funds; Educate Fairfax’s Imagine! Believe! Achieve! Scholarship; as well as corporate sponsors including Apple Federal Credit Union, Cox Business, United Bank, Kaiser Permanente, among others.