Seniors Earn $18K In Scholarships From Mount Vernon Lee Chamber

FRANCONIA, VA — Nine graduating seniors from local high schools won $18,000 in scholarships from the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce to pursue studies in a business-related field.

Every year, the chamber provides scholarships to students in the Lee and Mount Vernon Districts planning to study business. The 2022 Distinguished Business Scholars are Zara Ahmed of Mount Vernon High School, Sara Arif of West Potomac High School, Michael Binyam of South County High School, Rebecca Brees of West Potomac High School, Nate Dietrick of South County High School, Emma Febrarro of Hayfield Secondary School, Ryan Kiefer of Hayfield Secondary School, Bradley Klink of Bishop Ireton High School and Wendell Rice of John R. Lewis High School.

Many of the recipients will be the first generation of college students in their families, according to the chamber.

"The commitment the chamber makes to ensure scholarships each year is extraordinary," said Holly Dougherty, president of the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce. "Our youth are the future and we want them to be successful. These scholarships are an investment in the future of our community."

Along with receiving the scholarships, students heard remarks from retired Brig. Gen. Robert Jorgensen, president of the Army Retirement Residence Foundation - Potomac. Jorgensen spoke to the students about his education and career while encouraging them to "never give up."

The chamber has provided the scholarships for 20 years with a collective total over $268,000. Scholarships are provided with donations from local businesses. Businesses that provided complete scholarships are Covanta Fairfax Inc., Clearpath Solutions Group, Cisco and Ourisman Automotive dealerships.