Virginia Credit Union just handed out $156,500 in scholarships to 32 of their student members. And before you think this is some one-off PR move, they’ve been doing this since 1991—racking up nearly $2 million in total support for students working toward their college degrees.
The bulk of the awards went to 30 students who each scored $5,000 through VACU’s annual scholarship program. Two additional students received a combined $6,500 through the credit union’s Member One legacy scholarship program, which honors the institution’s roots and the people who helped build it.
More Than Just Writing Checks
“Helping our members achieve greater success is at the heart of everything we do at Virginia Credit Union, and that mission comes to life in a very direct way through our scholarship program,” said VACU President and CEO Chris Shockley. “Each of these students has shown the kind of drive, concern for their community, and dedication to their own future that makes us proud to be their credit union.”
Translation? These aren’t just handouts. They’re investments in young people who are already proving they’ve got what it takes.
The scholarship program itself is named after Dorothy “Dot” Hall and Jane Watkins, two former VACU presidents who clearly understood that education changes lives. Since its launch over three decades ago, the program has specifically targeted members pursuing their first undergraduate degree—because everyone deserves a fair shot at that transformative college experience.
The Competition Was Fierce
This year’s program pulled in more than 840 applications. That’s a lot of ambitious young people, and sorting through them was no small task. VACU assembled an independent selection committee of 40 people—members, community partners, and education advocates—to evaluate every single application.
What were they looking for? Four key things: community service, extracurricular activities, a well-crafted essay, and the hours each student has logged working to help pay for their education. Because let’s be real—juggling school, work, community service, AND college applications shows the kind of grit that deserves recognition.
Of the 30 scholarship winners, 15 are high school seniors about to start their college journey, and 15 are already enrolled and working toward completing their undergraduate degrees.
Meet This Year’s High School Winners
- Anisa Ali, Glen Allen High School — headed to Virginia Commonwealth University to study Radiology
- Emily Broman, Monacan High School — attending Christopher Newport University for Elementary Education and Leadership Studies
- Solomon Crewe, Trinity Episcopal School — pursuing Architecture at Howard University
- Willow Dickenson, Hanover High School — studying Exercise Science (Pre-Physical Therapy) at Salisbury University
- Madeline Doctor, Monacan High School — majoring in Hospitality Management at the University of South Carolina
- Lydia Grossman, Midlothian High School — pursuing Nursing at the University of Delaware
- Elijah Lee, Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School — studying Political Science at Lafayette College
- Kelsey Morris, Mills E. Godwin High School — majoring in Biology at the University of Virginia
- Elsah Mukora, J.R. Tucker High School — pursuing Economics at the University of Virginia
- Ava Serrano, Mechanicsville High School — studying Nursing at the University of Virginia
- Isabella Simerville, Matoaca High School — majoring in Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University
- Audrey Smith, Mechanicsville High School — pursuing Biology at the University of Virginia
- Teresa Vithoulkas, J.R. Tucker High School — studying Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia
- Brandon Waker, J.R. Tucker High School — majoring in Film and Media Art at Temple University
- Peter Yanovitch, Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School — pursuing Music at Indiana University
Current College Students Getting Support
- Cameron Brooks, North Carolina A&T State University (Architectural Engineering)
- Kennise Brown, Hampton University (Criminology/Pre-Law)
- Lauryn Chaney, John Brown University (Elementary Education)
- Rose Dorss, University of Virginia (English)
- Dylan Fulk, University of Georgia (Risk Management and Insurance)
- Dawson Hancock, Virginia Tech (Business Management)
- Erin Harden, Virginia State University (Visual Arts)
- Nykera Noel, Virginia State University (Education)
- Oscar Rosales-Martinez, Brightpoint Community College (Business Management and Digital Marketing)
- Parah Shaw, College of William & Mary (Africana Studies and Marketing)
- Krishna Shukla, University of Virginia (Computer Science and Biology)
- Malia Stewart, Bridgewater College (Health and Exercise Science)
- Emma Tetley, Liberty University (Aviation Management)
- Margaret Wade, Virginia Commonwealth University (Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and Political Science, with a minor in Mathematics)
- Emily Zimmer, Syracuse University (Biochemistry)
Two Special Legacy Scholarships
The Member One legacy scholarship program adds another layer of meaning to VACU’s commitment to education. These awards honor individuals whose impact on the credit union and their community continues to ripple outward.
The Richard L. “Dick” Williams Memorial Scholarship ($5,000) celebrates Member One’s first president and CEO, who dedicated more than 35 years to the credit union and had a genuine passion for both education and competitive sports. Fittingly, this scholarship—supported by the Williams family—goes to a student-athlete pursuing a four-year degree at a Virginia institution.
This year’s recipient is Ava Sexton, a William Byrd High School graduate who’s heading to Emory & Henry University to study Biology while competing as a Division II lacrosse player.
The Henry Lee Memorial Scholarship ($1,500) carries perhaps the most poignant story. Henry Lee was a past Member One scholarship recipient whose life was tragically cut short during the Virginia Tech shooting on April 16, 2007. This scholarship keeps his memory alive while helping another student pursue their dreams.
This year’s winner is Emily Tull, a Cave Spring High School graduate who plans to study Chemistry and Healthcare at Virginia Tech—a choice that feels especially meaningful given the scholarship’s history.
In a world where student debt often feels like an insurmountable mountain, programs like these prove that some institutions still believe in investing in people, not just profits. Here’s to VACU and the 32 students who just got a serious boost toward building their futures.