Perry Hall HS student Raheem Bashir wins full merit scholarship

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation, which has long attracted exceptional talent to the University of Virginia through its Jefferson Scholars Program, selected Raheem as one of 19 recipients of the newly established Walentas Scholarship. They will commence their studies in the fall at UVA.

In order to be named a Walentas Scholar, candidates must undergo a rigorous, highly competitive, multi-stage selection process. First, they are nominated by their high schools or affiliated organizations based on their demonstrated excellence and exceptional potential in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship. Additionally, Walentas Scholar nominees must be in the first generation of their families to attend college. Once nominated, the students go through at least one round of regional interviews. If selected as a regional finalist, students are then invited to participate in a final round of interviews. The 19 recipients of the 2025 Walentas Scholarship boast a number of significant achievements and Raheem is no exception. During their time at Perry Hall High School, Raheem has played Varsity Golf for Perry Hall and has competed in the PGA Jr. League U17. He has been VP of the Future Business Leaders of America, VP of the National Social Studies Honor Society and a member of the Mock Trial Team as well as the Muslim Student Association. Outside of school, Raheem volunteers his time at the An Nur Foundation, and serves as a Digital Marketing Intern for a global website and also a Director of Operations for an equestrian equipment company. Raheem will join a cohort of 153 Scholars currently funded by the Foundation at UVA, as well as a community of more than 1,000 Scholar alumni. In addition to receiving the full cost of attending the University for four years, Walentas Scholars benefit from a number of enrichment programs sponsored by the Foundation, including travel abroad, career networking activities, and a leadership speaker series.