FCEF Scholarship Awards
Congratulations to the 2025 recipients of FCEF Scholarships and Awards! On May 19, 2025, Meridian students were recognized not only for their academic achievements, but also for their creativity, resilience, and leadership. From honoring first-generation college students to celebrating excellence in the arts, music, and civic engagement, each award reflects the diverse paths and bright futures of this year’s honorees.
FCEF SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIPTIONS
Scholarships are funded by FCEF; to apply for scholarships, please contact Meridian High School Career and College counseling and/or use the student online system, Naviance. Scholarship applications are usually due in April and awarded in May/June. FCEF does not determine the winners of scholarships it funds; decisions are made by donors and/or Meridian High School staff. Our current scholarships are:
Scholarships are funded by FCEF; to apply for scholarships, please contact Meridian High School Career and College counseling and/or use the student online system, Naviance. Scholarship applications are usually due in April and awarded in May/June. FCEF does not determine the winners of scholarships it funds; decisions are made by donors and/or Meridian High School staff. Our current scholarships are:
- Dr. Peter Noonan "IB For All" Prize - $2,000 - awarded annually to a graduating senior who demonstrates, through an essay or creative expression, the profound impact the IB program has had on their personal and educational journey.
- EESTEAM Scholarship - $1,000 awarded to three juniors who demonstrates creativity, leadership, or entrepreneurial achievements in advancing an organizational, public, academic, community service, or personal cause
- Charles and Elizabeth Downs Scholarship - $5,000 awarded to one senior who will attend any community college in Virginia
- Nick Werkman Memorial Scholarship - $1,000 - provided to a special education student selected by Special Ed department (formerly Patricia Doyle Memorial Scholarship)
- Torey Fay Scholarship - $1,000 - awarded to a student pursuing a math career and who demonstrates resilience and character
- Anna Hennessey Scholarship for Service Learning - $1,000 - awarded to a senior who exemplifies the character traits of a student dedicated to service learning
- Lian-Manwaring First Generation Scholarship - $1,500 awarded to one senior who will be a first-generation attendee of a post-secondary accredited school, and who exemplifies the character traits of resilience, hard work, adaptation, and community involvement
- Mind, Body, Character - Tyrone Q. Byrd Scholarship - $1,000 - awarded to two students who best embody the attributes of beloved former principal, Ty Byrd. The initial funds donated by the Class of 2016.
- Bob Morrison Photography & Visual Arts Award - $1,000 - provided to a student who excels in visual arts
- Maria Elena Nudell Award - $1,000 - awarded to one senior whose interests extended beyond academics to include family, athletics, community involvement and school spirit
- Warren & Mary Pace Future Educators Scholarship - $1,000 - for a student intending to pursue educational licensing in college
- Robert & Nancy Perry Scholarship - $1,000 - provided to a student attending community college
- Grace Rissetto Scholarship - $1,000 - presented to an ESOL student selected by ESOL department
- Senior Scholarship for Choral Excellence from the Choral Boosters - $1,000
- Robert W. Snee Scholarship - $1,000 - given to someone who makes a difference at MHS
- Beth & Nancy Sprague Spirit of Meridian Award - $1,000 - awarded to two seniors who exemplify the spirit of Meridian High School
- Jessica Blair Szymanski Memorial Scholarship - $1,500 (renewable for 4 years) - based on personal statements, selected by Szymanski family
- The Franklin & Kent Thackrey Memorial Scholarship - $500 awarded to a student interested in the study of communications/journalism.
- Jessie Thackrey Memorial Scholarship - $1,000 - awarded to a junior or senior interested in pursing a non-traditional career
- Matthew Valley Visual Arts Scholarship - $2,000 - awarded to a student with a significant commitment to the Visual Arts
- Cay Wiant Scholarship - $1,000 - provided to a student who excels in creative writing and performing arts
- J. Roger & Patricia A. Wollenberg Scholarship - need based full-ride scholarship to a Virginia public school (4 year)
- West Fund for Musical Excellence - $1,000 - honors the legacy of Mary Jo West, Meridian High School's retired music director, and supports students who show artistic potential, leadership in school music programs, and a passion for musical growth
- Women's Club of Falls Church Scholarship - $2,000 - awarded to two students who have contributed to community service
For a list of previous scholarship winners, please click here.
Rachel Brantley, winner of the Jessica Blair Szymanski Memorial Scholarship in 2024, reflects on FCEF’s impact on her education at the University of Pittsburgh.