Ten outstanding students, selected on the basis of their academic achievement, community service, leadership potential, and demonstrated hardship, were chosen as this year’s High Bridge Foundation, Inc. scholarships awardees. Five will receive the High Bridge Foundation Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 each. In addition, five students will receive Book Awards in the amount of $500 each in recognition of their tenacity and exceptional progress despite economic and personal odds. The scholarship winners will be recognized at an Awards Brunch on Saturday, June 21 at 10:00 in the morning at the Peikoff Alumni House (“Ole Jim”) at the Gallaudet University Campus in Washington, D.C. According to Mayumi H. Escalante, Foundation president, this year’s awardees were chosen from among 157 applicants.
2014 High Bridge Foundation Scholars
Saira Euceda came to the United States from Honduras in 2002. She did
not speak English and had to work two jobs to support herself and her
daughter. She graduated from Bryant High School in Alexandria, VA
where she was a member of the Student Leadership Team, the National
Honor Society, and the Beta Club. She is a volunteer teacher at her
church. Saira will attend Northern Virginia Community College.
Megan Ganley is a dynamic young woman whose passions include flag tossing in the Color Guard, creating mobility aids prototypes, metalsmithing, cartooning, and her service organization, Lost and ReFound, which redistributes lost and found items from schools to foster care programs. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA and will attend Virginia Tech.
Brina Olunkwa is a graduate of the Riverdale Baptist School in Largo, MD. Brina was selected for a paid summer internship at the renowned National Institutes of Health in the National Eye Institute this summer. She hopes to combine her passion of working with children and her enthusiasm for medicine to pursue a career in pediatrics. Brina will attend Hofstra University.
Hector Pardo graduated from J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church, VA where he took advantage of the International Baccalaureate and Honors Programs. He was a member of the National and French Honor Societies, Korean Club, and Psychology Club. He served as president of the Virginia Star Club, which refurbishes old computers and redistributes them to community members in need. He will attend Virginia Tech.
Lucien Wobembong was born in Cameroon and moved to the United States in 2007. He graduated from Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, VA with an International Baccalaureate Diploma. He served as Co-Vice President for the Robinson Secondary School Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and as Co-Manager for the Robinson FBLA Community Service Committee. He received the Heatherwood Retirement Community Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. He will attend George Mason University, majoring in Information Systems and Operations Management.
2014 High Bridge Foundation Book Awardees Recipients
Drake Dixon graduated from West Springfield High School in
Springfield, VA. He will study Chemistry as an Echols Scholar on the Pre-
Medical track at the University of Virginia. In addition to being an officer
of the National Honors Society, he is also a member of the Math and
History Honors Societies. Drake is an avid Key Club member and Boy
Scout. He is the captain of the varsity wrestling team and an accomplished
tennis player.
Diamond J. Gantt, a native Washingtonian, is a graduate of Elizabeth Seton High School in Bladensburg, MD, where she was an active member of the Gospel and Concert Choirs, the Student Union, and dance clubs. She participated in the annual Youth Law Fair program. She volunteers for the Community for Creative Non-Violence homeless shelter and is active in local and national ministries and the International Ministry of Intercessory Prayer, The National Society of High School Scholars, and The National Council of Negro Women. Diamond will attend Hampton University.
Ayibongwe Ndlovu, originally from Zimbabwe, is a graduate of Northwood High School in Silver Spring, MD. Ayibongwe’s academic success is a testament to his strength of character and the American educational system. When not at school or working, he enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his family. He considers his mother as his inspiration. Ayibongwe will attend Montgomery College to obtain a degree in Health Sciences.
Trisha Pilgrim is a graduate of the Academy of the Holy Cross in Kensington, MD. A first generation American, both of her parents are from Grenada. Trisha received recognition for her academic achievement as well as her extra-curricular activities. She learned about crew in high school and earned a position as a starboard rower. Her participation was set back when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Trisha became an MS activist by joining the National MS Society, serving as a team captain for walks and bike-a-thons in both DC and Rockville. She will attend Emory University to study medicine and business.
Dy’Mon Walker graduated from Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, MD and has consistently been a member of her school’s Honors Program, the National Honor Society, and the National Dance Honor Society. She received the Excellence in Education Community Service Scholarship from the Prince George’s County Board of Education in recognition of her extensive community service. Dy’mon will attend Morgan State University to major in Pre- Medicine/Biology.
The High Bridge Foundation Scholarship Program is a project of High Bridge Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization established by Ernest and Mencie Hairston in 2012. Dr. and Mrs. Hairston are life-long supporters of programs that benefit underserved populations of young people, especially those with disabilities and life challenges, who are in need of financial help to pursue higher education.
As recipients of scholarships during their student days, Dr. and Mrs. Hairston believe that scholarships are a donor’s financial investment in a student’s potential to succeed, to give back to the community, and to embody the donor’s core values. It is also an investment in the student’s family and in his or her community. More importantly, scholarships come with a moral mandate, as they impact not only the recipients’ education, but also the way they conduct their lives after graduation, and the way they practice their professions.
