<strong>CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA</strong> – Madeline Hatok (left), student at Poquoson High School in Poquoson City Public Schools, Daania Sharifi (center), student at Gainesville High School in Prince William County Public Schools, and Alexander Peskin (right), student at Goochland High School in Goochland County Public Schools were awarded the 2022 VSBA Exhibitors Scholarships. The scholarship, funded by exhibiting companies at the VSBA’s annual convention, was made available to spring 2023 graduating seniors who had served as student school board representatives. <em>Moseley Architects, McGraw Hill, Stantec Architects, Sodexo and RRMM Architects </em>sponsored this year’s scholarship program, which is in its tenth year.

When asked what receiving the scholarship meant to them, each recipient responded:

“College places financial stress on all families and having the chance to lessen my future debt helps to ease the stress about the future. I want to be able to achieve my dream of becoming a physical therapist and that requires six years of schooling so every bit helps so I can focus on my career,” said Madeline Hatok.

“As a first-generation student, education has become a central part of my identity. I have always felt what other first-gen students have felt– that feeling of being behind other classmates with parents who could always help them – yet, I have focused my energy on overcoming those obstacles to enter college in the future,” said Daania Sharifi. “My time as student representative and my personal experiences have increased my interest in government, public policy, and access to education. This scholarship can help alleviate essential costs in college so I will be able to take up political internships and pursue my educational goals. Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me and I am grateful that the Virginia School Boards Association is supporting my endeavors towards a higher education.”

“Receiving the VSBA Scholarship is a special honor, and I am very grateful to have been chosen for it. It serves as the acknowledgement of my efforts in student advocacy and encourages me to continue to try to help and represent my community in matters that are relevant and important. I am currently considering pursuing either a law or business degree and with the funds from this scholarship, I will have a greater ability to further my education, no matter which career path I eventually choose,” said Alexander Peskin.

The scholarships were awarded earlier today at the VSBA Annual Convention in Williamsburg, VA, which brings together school board members, superintendents, division administrators, and education officials from across the commonwealth.
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<strong>About the Virginia School Boards Association
</strong>The Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training and services. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.

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