Educate Fairfax awarded a record $91,500 in scholarships to Fairfax County Public Schools seniors during its second annual Beyond the Tassel scholarship celebration, held on June 2. The foundation distributed 47 scholarships to students from 18 high schools across the county.
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid said she is grateful for the community support behind the students’ achievements and highlighted the importance of partnerships. “I am deeply grateful to the individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and organizations that invested in these students through their philanthropy. Their support demonstrates the power of community and their belief in the promise and potential of every student,” Dr. 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 event brought together scholarship recipients, families, educators, donors, and community leaders to honor students recognized for their hard work and service as they prepare for life after graduation. This year’s total marks an increase of more than 50 percent compared to last year’s $60,000 in awards.
Lynette Henry, executive director of Educate Fairfax, addressed attendees about collective efforts supporting young people’s futures: “This is what happens when a community comes together to believe in young people and invest in their future,” Henry said. “Because donors, families, foundations, educators, and community partners said ‘yes,’ Educate Fairfax is proud to award $91,500 in scholarships. This is our largest scholarship investment yet and a powerful reminder that access to opportunity can change the trajectory of a student’s future.”
The ceremony also featured remarks from 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 will attend Old Dominion University for cybersecurity studies—both emphasizing how financial support impacts educational opportunities.
Scholarships were made possible through partnerships with local organizations including FABSE (Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators), ITServe Alliance, Love Like Adam Foundation, several memorial funds, Think Big For Kids, REACH IN US Foundation, John R. Lewis Leadership Program, as well as corporate sponsors such as Apple Federal Credit Union and Kaiser Permanente.
