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Through the generous contributions of individuals, community organizations, local businesses and families, a wide range of scholarships and academic prizes is available to George Mason High School (GMHS) students.
Donors have established these scholarships to help offset ever-increasing tuition costs, books and fees at universities and trade schools. Several scholarships have been established to recognize selected students for the contributions they have made to the George Mason High School community. In addition, several student prizes have been created to recognize current GMHS students for their achievements in a particular field of study.
The generosity of each donor and donor group demonstrates their belief in our students and their desire to help ensure students’ success toward a brighter future through higher education.
Opportunities for Growth
There are opportunities to donate to existing scholarships to help ensure they continue to be offered, and to establish new scholarships.
If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities for growth, please contact the Falls Church Education Foundation at (703) 538-3381.
How to Apply
Scholarships and student prizes fall in to two basic categories -those that require an application and those that do not require an application. GMHS seniors can inquire at the GMHS Guidance Office for details regarding these scholarships, as well as others offered locally, regionally and nationally. While most deadlines are in the spring, students are urged to ask about all scholarship details early in the fall of their senior year to learn about opportunities, requirements and deadlines.
FCEF Scholarships and Student Prizes
The following scholarships are stewarded by the Falls Church Education Foundation. For a complete listing of all scholarship opportunities, students should contact the GMHS Guidance Office.
No-Application Scolarships
The Patricia Doyle Scholarship
1 scholarship at $1,000
Awarded to a student with special needs. The recipient is selected from among those students receiving special education services during their senior year. The scholarship was established in memory of Pat Doyle who served on the FCCPS School Board’s Special Education Advisory Committee for many years. This is an endowed scholarship fund.
The Spirit of George Mason Award
2 scholarships at $1,000 each
Awarded in memory of Beth Sprague, Class of 1997, and her mother Dr. Nancy Sprague, teacher and principal at George Mason Middle School from 1970 to 1990. The scholarship honors their warm and generous spirit and is awarded to students whose contributions to GMHS capture the true essence of the “Spirit of George Mason.” This is an endowed scholarship fund.
Franklin and Kent Thackery Memorial Scholarship
1 scholarship at $500
Awarded to a student who, like the namesakes of this scholarship, is keenly interested in journalism and has demonstrated this interest while at George Mason High School. Preference will be given to candidates who plan to study communications or journalism. This is a partially-endowed endowed fund.
Bob Morrison Memorial Scholarship
1 scholarship at $1000-$1,500
Provides financial support to a George Mason High School graduating senior who has demonstrated ability in the visual arts with a preference for photojournalism and photography. This is an endowed scholarship fund established in honor of Bob Morrison, former Treasurer of the City of Falls Church and FCCPS parent.
Grace Rissetto ESOL Scholarship
1 scholarship at $1,000
Awarded to a student who is a GMHS graduating senior who participated in the ESOL program in high school. The intended recipient is a GMHS student who entered the ESOL program at a basic level and will be the first in their family to attend an American college or university located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This is a partially-endowed scholarship fund established in recognition of Grace Rissetto’s retirement and years of service as a teacher at George Mason High School.
Robert S. Snee Scholarship
1 scholarship at $500
Provides financial support to a George Mason High School graduating senior whose consistent efforts have made George Mason High School a better place. This is an endowed scholarship fund established in honor of GMHS former principal Bob Snee.
Cay Wiant Scholarship Fund for FCCPS Students and Teachers
Supports attendance for students and teachers to attend workshops at the Northern Virginia Writing Project.
Application Based Scholarships
Jessica Blair Szymanski Memorial Scholarship
1 scholarship at $1,000
Awarded annually during the GMHS awards ceremony and renewable for three subsequent years of post high school education. The scholarship was established by the family of Jessica Blair Szymanski of the Class of 2002 to honor her memory. It is awarded to a student whose application shows that they have demonstrated Jessica’s perseverance, commitment, compassion and love for life. This is an endowed scholarship fund.
Deadline: May 1st.
George Mason Seniors May Apply
Applicants are asked to write a personal statement, submit a letter of recommendation, and complete the application which can be obtained through your guidance counselor.
In the one-page personal statement, applicants may write about their high school experience. While not limited to the the following, topics can include friendships developed, the role of extra-curricular activities in their lives, the impact of a class or assembly, or a special relationship with a teacher, coach or fellow student.
The letter of recommendation should provide insight as to how the applicant made George Mason High School and/or the greater community a better place. The letter can be from a family member who is not a parent, a teacher, a friend, a youth group leader, or other person who knows the applicant well.
Scholarship Selection Criteria
The applicant will be selected based on the following attributes that Jessica was known to possess:
- A student known and admired for her love of life, someone who was kind to others, who possessed a good sense of humor and was a good sport.
- An enthusiastic member of GMHS who distinguished herself through her passionate involvement in sports and other student activities.
- A caring and outgoing student who valued all students, and by her actions demonstrated an appreciation of George Mason High School’s diverse community.
