Carly is a senior at Hylton High School who agrees with Hippocrates, “Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” 

 At first unsure of her future career path, Carly was inspired to study medicine after she watched Grey’s Anatomy. “It (showed me) that I could be a doctor like Christina Yang or Margaret Pierce. I could be a woman of color who is well-respected and excels in my field. If a TV show could accomplish it, I wondered what I could do by being a real person who worked, as a doctor to diversify healthcare.” 

 To help her prepare, Carly used her love for helping people and volunteered at her local hospital.  She fell in love with the chaotic and fast-paced environment. “My favorite memory was seeing a team of healthcare workers urgently, and with efficient transport equipment to take care of a baby who had been born in the emergency room. I had helped the pregnant woman get there, and I played a…small (part) in her labor.” 

  Carly’s educational journey consists of finding her role in life and deepened her passion and understanding of the medical field. She challenged herself by taking and excelling in AP Biology where she is forced to think critically and learn how concepts fit into real-world situations. 

 Carly is viewed as a highly valued and active member of her community and school. 

Besides her volunteer work at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, she is an Assistant Volleyball Coach for the Hylton Boys and Girls Club, a member of the National Honor Society, French Honor Society, Academic Team and is Treasurer of the Black Student Union. 

  In the fall, Carly will attend James Madison University and major in Bio-Tech where she can pursue her dream to join the medical field. “My journey is not over yet; I have many more steps to take, but I cannot wait to take them. 

Scholarship applicants will have a minimum 2.0 GPA, demonstrate activeness through community service, school clubs/sports, or a part time job. Applicants will also submit a one page personal essay and obtain a letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to their work ethic."

Scholarship Application

Sandra is a senior at Osbourn Park High School who hopes to one day establish several non-profit organizations worldwide that improve the quality of life for impoverished children. With the

help of others, Sandra’s plan is to raise awareness by holding fundraisers and donation drives to support people experiencing poverty. Helping people in need is especially meaningful to Sandra because her family understands firsthand what it means to not have everything one needs. “[My parents] told me several stories about how fortunate my siblings and I are, and how we should take advantage of the numerous opportunities available in this country.” One way Sandra has followed through with their advice is by giving back to the community during the holidays. “Serving food to homeless people in my community...allowed me to appreciate what I and many American children have.”

Additionally, Sandra raises awareness about childhood poverty through United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), where she serves as treasurer. Through her church, Sandra has organized a food drive and collaborated with Starlight Foundation in Ghana to create opportunities for many orphans and homeless children so they can have a better future and life. Under Sandra’s leadership, over 500 pairs of shoes, clothing, bags of rice, canned food, and bottled water were donated. Sandra’s passion for helping others is not something she takes for granted. She lives by the motto: Make no excuse, work hard, and help the less fortunate. 

While attending George Mason University, Sandra plans to improve her leadership and motivational skills to help with establishing non-profit organizations. “I hope to contribute my part in ensuring no child goes hungry by creating a systematic program where children... will have access to food and other necessities.” Sandra believes that by opening a pathway for greater opportunities it will change children’s lives not only for the better, but forever.

Samantha Donaire

Samantha, an Osbourn High School senior, wants to do "good in the lives of others through the creation of positive relationships."  After her time working as a volunteer at the Matthew Center Camp Adventure, a day camp for children with disabilities, Samantha developed an interest in Psychology.  "I want to for work with a wide variety of individuals who experience difficulties in their day-to-day lives because of circumstances they are unable to control."

Samantha is a member of the Student Council Association, Key Club, Interact Club, and Youth Salute.  In her 4 years of high school, she's spent 1000 hours of her time volunteering.  Most noted are her hours as a tutor in the school's Eagle Writing Center.  Trisha Vamosi, is the Director of the writing center and wrote Samantha's letter of recommendation.  "Although soft spoken at times...she has demonstrated that others trust her to listen attentively and respond in a kind and compassionate manner. I am proud of the effort and diligence she brings to the AP classroom."

Samantha plans to earn a B.S. in Psychology and later a PhD in Occupational Therapies. The PWSLA Elizabeth W. Bowen Memorial Scholarship is proud to help Ms. Samantha Donaire follow her passion for helping others in need.