2026 Scholarship Recipients

I plan to attend the College of William and Mary. There I plan to follow the pre-medical track by majoring in biology, and minoring in neuroscience. I have always had a fascination with the sciences, which has led me to center my education around becoming a medical professional. Being aware of the importance of a child’s hope, I have decided to devote my future career and academic endeavors to becoming a pediatric surgeon. As a future pediatric surgeon, I want children to feel courageous and fully capable concerning their health. I want for them to not only have full confidence in me as their surgeon, but in themselves. I want to help

those who cannot help themselves, both physically, but perhaps even more importantly, emotionally as well. As a future surgeon, I plan to shift the atmosphere within a hospital from a place of fear to a place of hope and healing. Goochland High School has led me to this career by providing me with the opportunity to be a teacher’s aide. This past year as an aide, I have learned the necessity of using your skills to help others; it has opened my eyes to the numerous ways I can assist. 

Ever since I was a child, I have loved building things. I didn’t just play with Lego, I spent hours creating houses, neighborhoods, and anything I could imagine. It was never just about stacking pieces, it was about bringing ideas to life. That same excitement has stayed with me and is why I plan to study architecture at Hampden-Sydney College.

My interest in building grew through my experiences in school. While attending Byrd Elementary School, I was on the robotics team for two years, where we advanced to the championship and completed

missions with our robot. That experience taught me how creativity and problem solving come together to turn ideas into something real.

As I’ve grown, my perspective on building has become more meaningful. A home is more than a structure, it’s a place of safety, support, and connection. Growing up, I learned how important that stability is which inspired my goal to one day design and build a home for my family. Architecture allows me to combine creativity with purpose, making it the right path for me.

As a dark- skinned African-American girl with an immigrant father, who lived in a predominantly white county, I've spent much of my life quietly trying to navigate spaces not built for someone like me. My identity means I live in the tension between pride and invisibility, the love I hold for my family and my culture, and the weight of their expectations, fears, and sometimes silence. Add to that deep-rooted social anxiety and persistent self-doubt, and it begins to become clearer why I've spent so much of my life simply trying to breathe.

These feelings and these experiences have shaped my decision of becoming a psychologist. I want to be able to help other black youth who struggled the way I did with growing up in white communities and neighborhoods. I want them to understand that they are allowed to take space, no matter if they are “whitewash” or “ too black”.  Growing up in Goochland made me developed thick skin, and I want the future youth to understand they don't need to do the same.

College isn't just another avenue or milestone for me: it's a new start. Being in a place where there is potential to find more people like me and to see diversity I've never experienced before is astronomically important for me. I'll finally be able to exist in a space where I don't feel the need to shrink or diminish my light, but grow into and authentically me. I hope to become a forensic psychologist, and I know with the help of this scholarship and with the access as granted at college, I'll be able to achieve that dream.

This year has been one of my most rewarding year of high school. I had the honor of founding a step team, earning two Eccho Awards, and serving as secretary of BACEE, all while staying active in community service. I was also accepted into 11 colleges and earned my associate degree from J Sergeant and Reynolds before even receiving my high school diploma; all while working a part-time job. Through these experiences, I’ve learned the value of perseverance, leadership, and time management. My senior year taught me how to balance responsibility with passion and showed me the impact of staying committed to my goals.

I’m truly grateful to be chosen for this scholarship and appreciate the opportunity it gives me to continue striving for excellence.

I plan to attend University of Mississippi and appreciate this scholarship. In high school, I served Goochland by volunteering at the YMCA to

Coach soccer, and I helped wire Habitat for Humanity homes. I served GHS by volunteering as an intern for The Veterans Project and I was class treasurer for two years. I was inducted into National Honor Society my sophomore year and participated in the ACA program. I was also a football player for 4 years and played lacrosse during my Junior and Senior years. 

This school year has been both challenging and rewarding. I successfully balanced my academic courses while working a part-time job, demonstrating my commitment and time-management skills. I’m proud to have earned my associate degree alongside my high school diploma. A milestone that reflects years of hard work and dedication. Beyond academics, this year was also filled with meaningful connections. I built lasting friendships and shared unforgettable moments with fellow students and supportive teachers. These relationships and experiences have shaped who I am today, and I will carry them with me as I move forward into the next chapter of my life.