As the summer winds down and school begins, the Community Foundation announces our 2019 scholarship recipients.

Gavin Rupp “I Promise 15” Scholarship Fund

Gavin Rupp

Gavin’s scholarship fund supports students pursuing a career in the health sciences medical field, with a concentration in oncology, from Loudoun County as a memorial to Gavin and to honor all those in the medical field who helped him and his family.

Catherine Johnson, a graduate from Loudoun Valley High School, received a $2,000 Gavin Rupp “I Promise 15” Scholarship to attend Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue a career in nursing. As a childhood cancer survivor and an ambulance aide with the Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad, her career goal is to become a pediatric nurse in an emergency medicine setting. “I hope to bring personal experience, hope, quality care, and a smile to pediatric patients in this career,” said Johnson.

Patrick Beck received a $2,000 Gavin Rupp “I Promise 15” Scholarship to attend the University of Virginia as he pursues his career goal to become a pediatric oncologist. Over the summer, he  interned with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and its pediatric neuroblastoma research program under one of the research physicians. “I have always been driven by a tremendous passion to learn and use what I’ve learned help others,” said Beck.

Henry Stowers Loudoun County High School Scholarship Fund

Henry Stowers

Created by the estate of Henry Stowers, this fund provides scholarships for as many as four graduates of Loudoun County High School. Henry Stowers served on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors from 1972 to 1979 and on the Loudoun County Soil and Water Conservation District from 1980 to 1986. He also held leadership positions in many Loudoun County and regional organizations, including service on the boards of the Loudoun County Farm Bureau, the Southern States Cooperative, the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee, and the Planters’ Club. He also was a longtime supporter of the Loudoun County 4-H, served on the board of directors of the Northern Virginia 4-H Center, and was a strong supporter of the 4-H Fair, which was dedicated to him in 1991. At the state level, he was appointed by Governor George Allen to the Governor’s Small Grains Board and was reappointed to the board by Governor James S. Gilmore, III. Mr. Stowers was a lifelong farmer and an avid photographer.

Danning Basaga, a graduate of LCHS, received a $5,000 scholarship in 2019 to continue attending University of Virginia to study cognitive science. “Based on my experience of having Danning as a student, I think she has a very bright future. She is a hard worker, intelligent, and personable,” said one of her professors.

Kayla Ballve, a graduate of LCHS who plans to attend Virginia Tech to study sociology, received a $5,000 scholarship in 2019. “Kayla is an honorable young person who exhibits high personal standards. Kayla is a very intelligent and conscientious individual,” said one of her teachers.

To learn more about setting up a Scholarship Fund with the Community Foundation, visit: https://communityfoundationlf.org/give/setup-your-fund/