Scholarship Highfliers

the lives of others.

With a passion for biology and a dream of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon, DaNiya has already taken steps to pursue her aspirations. She has shadowed doctors in Vietnam, gaining valuable experience in the medical field. She received her associates from Germanna Community College though the Gladys P. Todd Academy before graduating high school. She will be a part of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Honors College in the fall with the ultimate goal to attend Johns Hopkins University for her Master’s degree.

Spring/Summer 2023

To see a list of all scholarship awards, visit www.cfrrr.org/apply/ recent-scholarship-recipients.

Big Energy

James Monroe High School 2023 graduate, DaNiya Johnson, has proven herself to be an exceptional student with the energy to accomplish a lot. With a remarkable grade point average (GPA) and class rank, she has set a high standard of academic excellence. As a first-generation college student, DaNiya’s accomplishments are even more commendable.

She is an active participant in various extracurricular activities and organizations, including Monroe Scholars, National Honor Society, DECA, and James Farmer Scholars. DaNiya has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Humanitarian Award and the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence, highlighting her dedication to both academics and community service.

In addition to her academic pursuits, DaNiya is deeply involved in her community. She lends her talents to dance, praise dance at her church, and the choir. She also volunteers her time at the Brisben Center and Downtown Greens, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact on

Recognizing her exceptional abilities, DaNiya has been awarded five scholarships. These scholarships will undoubtedly provide her with the necessary support to continue her educational journey.

“In the next two years, I will be majoring in Biology on a Pre-Med track, while working towards my bachelor’s degree. I am going to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. I am excited about learning more about human anatomy and learning more in-depth about cardiovascular” explained DaNiya.

With her outstanding achievements and unwavering energy, DaNiya Johnson is poised to make a lasting impact in the field of medicine and inspire future generations of students to reach for their dreams.

Reaching for the Moon

Kennedy Oti is a remarkable individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance throughout his academic journey. He has excelled as an engineering student, ranking first, at Stafford Senior High School.

As a first-generation college student, Kennedy’s journey from Ghana to the United States at the age of 10 is a testament to his determination and resilience. Teachers have praised him for his excellent interpersonal skills, productivity, and positive mindset.

Engaging in various extracurricular activities, including Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, Key Club, Learning Exchange Tutor, and varsity wrestling team, Kennedy has shown his commitment to both academics and community involvement. Additionally, he has managed to work 12 hours a week to save for his college education, demonstrating his work ethic and determination.

Kennedy says, “My future plans are to attend Virginia Tech and majoring in Aerospace Engineering. I plan on pursuing internships or co-op opportunities with NASA while still in school. After graduation, I plan to work with NASA to develop TheArtemisProject , to return humans to the Moon.”

Kennedy’s achievements speak volumes about his potential and dedication. He received four scholarships, providing crucial financial support for his educational endeavors.

With his demonstrated commitment to excellence and his ambitions in the field of aerospace engineering, Kennedy Oti is poised to make a significant impact in the future of space exploration.

Madelynn Gray is a highly accomplished graduate of Spotsylvania High School who has consistently excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities. Madelynn has taken dual enrollment classes at Germanna Community College, obtaining certifications as a nursing assistant and medical health aide.

Creating a Scholarship

Throughout her high school journey, Madelynn has received numerous academic and varsity athletic letters and pins, highlighting her dedication to both her studies and sports. She has actively participated in various clubs and sports, including Student Council Association, student athletic training aide, varsity volleyball, varsity soccer, junior varsity cheer, cross country, and winter track.

Not only has Madelynn been a high achiever in academics and sports, but she has also been a diligent worker, balancing employment at Ledo Pizza and Saxon Shoes alongside her commitments.

Teachers have praised Madelynn for her tenacity and leadership qualities. She has demonstrated her maturity and willingness to take on challenges, always seeking creative solutions.

Madelynn is eager to continue her educational journey. She will be taking classes at Germanna Community College over the summer and attending a summer residential program at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she will explore various health career programs.

In the fall, Madelynn plans to major in Health Services at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her ultimate goal is to collaborate with others to revolutionize and innovate the healthcare system, focusing on the overall wellness of individuals. She envisions creating lasting and impactful change that will promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being for all.

Madelynn reflects “I want to work with others to create opportunities and probable solutions to create change that will be long lasting and far reaching so our citizens can experience true well-being-mental, emotional, and physical.”

Madelynn Gray’s remarkable accomplishments, dedication, and aspirations position her as a promising future leader in the field of healthcare.

Are you interested in learning how to open a scholarship fund at The Community Foundation?

The Community Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life in our region by supporting further education for local students. Through endowed scholarship funds, generous individuals, families, companies, and organizations can make a lasting impact on deserving students.

To establish a scholarship fund, donors collaborate with foundation staff to define the fund’s criteria. This allows for flexibility in supporting students at any education level or a specific institution. Moreover, donors can create a scholarship fund as a way to honor or memorialize a loved one.

Donors have the option to stay involved through advisory relationships, or they can entrust the Scholarship Committee at The Community Foundation to aid in recipient selection. Rest assured, our dedicated staff will handle all the work and ensure that scholarships are distributed fairly.

With over seventy scholarship awards already administered, The Community Foundation stands ready to assist you in opening a scholarship fund that will shape the future of aspiring students in our community.