Thomas B. Fernald Scholarship
Congratulations to the 2018-2019 Thomas B. Fernald Scholarship winners!
All of these former Cardinals have made an impressive impact to our community through their volunteer service. We are pleased to recognize their achievements and contribute to their bright futures through scholarship funds, which can be applied to college tuition or books.
$1,451 Scholarship Award
$1,451 Scholarship Award
Katie Schools
My name is Katie Schools, and I have graduated from Trinity Episcopal School this year will be and attending Randolph-Macon College in the fall. I volunteer closely with ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, a Richmond-based organization as well as with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. My involvement began after I was impacted by both of these groups as a patient many years ago. Initially my family got involved with ASK’s annual walk in order to raise money to support the work being done by this group. I attended their summer enrichment camp but when I reached high school I became a volunteer. During the camp I help out by playing games, assisting the campers as they do educational enrichment activities, and doing craft activities with the campers. During my junior year I interned with them and was able to be part of the work that goes on away from the patients to raise money, create programs supporting the clinic and patients, and lobbying at the state level for legislation to help this community. I began volunteering for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in February of 2008. I’ve been a part of the annual K95 Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon ever since. My family has had a team every year for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer and I took over as the team captain in 2018. For many years I have kicked off both the walk and run by speaking before the race begins. By sharing my story on the radio and creating team Katiedids, these annual events have helped raise money for St. Jude to continue to provide treatments and to research ways to find cures for childhood cancer. As a Girl Scout I combined both my experience as a patient at both VCU and St. Jude for my Gold Award. I remembered how bored I was in the ASK clinic at VCU Medical Center was when the Child Life Specialist wasn’t around and how St. Jude always seemed to have a Child Life Specialist or volunteer everywhere I went. I wanted to bring that type of interaction to ASK by creating activity kits patients and siblings could do to keep busy when the Child Life Specialist wasn’t available. As part of my project I spent time in the clinic with the patients and siblings which I just loved. That experience helped me determine that I want to study to become a Child Life Specialist in college. My diagnosis and my family started me down this path of volunteering. I love doing what I do for both of these organizations and don’t consider it service. I find that it’s just a part of who I am.
My name is Katie Schools, and I have graduated from Trinity Episcopal School this year will be and attending Randolph-Macon College in the fall. I volunteer closely with ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, a Richmond-based organization as well as with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. My involvement began after I was impacted by both of these groups as a patient many years ago. Initially my family got involved with ASK’s annual walk in order to raise money to support the work being done by this group. I attended their summer enrichment camp but when I reached high school I became a volunteer. During the camp I help out by playing games, assisting the campers as they do educational enrichment activities, and doing craft activities with the campers. During my junior year I interned with them and was able to be part of the work that goes on away from the patients to raise money, create programs supporting the clinic and patients, and lobbying at the state level for legislation to help this community. I began volunteering for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in February of 2008. I’ve been a part of the annual K95 Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon ever since. My family has had a team every year for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer and I took over as the team captain in 2018. For many years I have kicked off both the walk and run by speaking before the race begins. By sharing my story on the radio and creating team Katiedids, these annual events have helped raise money for St. Jude to continue to provide treatments and to research ways to find cures for childhood cancer. As a Girl Scout I combined both my experience as a patient at both VCU and St. Jude for my Gold Award. I remembered how bored I was in the ASK clinic at VCU Medical Center was when the Child Life Specialist wasn’t around and how St. Jude always seemed to have a Child Life Specialist or volunteer everywhere I went. I wanted to bring that type of interaction to ASK by creating activity kits patients and siblings could do to keep busy when the Child Life Specialist wasn’t available. As part of my project I spent time in the clinic with the patients and siblings which I just loved. That experience helped me determine that I want to study to become a Child Life Specialist in college. My diagnosis and my family started me down this path of volunteering. I love doing what I do for both of these organizations and don’t consider it service. I find that it’s just a part of who I am.
Emaan Mughal
Helping out in the community has always been a central component of what I truly stand for and highly value. Throughout my high school career, I have completed over 600 hours of community service at numerous organizations such as the Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, Twin Hickory Public Library, Kumon Math & Reading Learning Center, my high school, and abroad. At Bon Secours, I had the opportunity to work as a patient-response volunteer on the fifth floor and I assisted nurses, filed EKGs, interacted with after-surgical patients, and also received the honor to train new volunteers at the patient response unit. At the Twin Hickory Public Library, I assisted in the Children’s Department, worked on out-reach projects, and shelved books. At Kumon, I helped grade assignments, assisted students with class work, and also received the opportunity to train new volunteers. As a student part of the Advance College of Social Sciences Program at JR Tucker High School, I took multiple college-leveled courses and wanted to share my knowledge to further assist students of diverse backgrounds at my high school. By being a member of multiple honor societies, I tutored ESL students in the areas of English, Algebra, and Geometry on a weekly basis. Giving back to my community has been a humbling experience all throughout high school and as an aspiring physician I hope to do more for my community in the future.
Helping out in the community has always been a central component of what I truly stand for and highly value. Throughout my high school career, I have completed over 600 hours of community service at numerous organizations such as the Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, Twin Hickory Public Library, Kumon Math & Reading Learning Center, my high school, and abroad. At Bon Secours, I had the opportunity to work as a patient-response volunteer on the fifth floor and I assisted nurses, filed EKGs, interacted with after-surgical patients, and also received the honor to train new volunteers at the patient response unit. At the Twin Hickory Public Library, I assisted in the Children’s Department, worked on out-reach projects, and shelved books. At Kumon, I helped grade assignments, assisted students with class work, and also received the opportunity to train new volunteers. As a student part of the Advance College of Social Sciences Program at JR Tucker High School, I took multiple college-leveled courses and wanted to share my knowledge to further assist students of diverse backgrounds at my high school. By being a member of multiple honor societies, I tutored ESL students in the areas of English, Algebra, and Geometry on a weekly basis. Giving back to my community has been a humbling experience all throughout high school and as an aspiring physician I hope to do more for my community in the future.
Ashley Henderson
I am a senior at Glen Allen High School in the Center for Education and Human Development. As a member of the center, I am granted with so many wonderful opportunities that allow me to be active in community service. For two straight summers, I volunteered with a Henrico county social skills program for middle schoolers with Autism. The program is known as SNAPS and does an incredible job of creating a comfortable environment for all students to interact and build relationships. After volunteering with this program, I was given the opportunity to be a buddy at the Special Olympics with students from Glen Allen. Each Monday I serve as a tutor at Greenwood Elementary School through a partnership with the school’s principal to help encourage the students to work hard in achieving their academic goals. Along with these service opportunities that came from my school, I have also been blessed to have the opportunity to volunteer with my church. I lead a first-grade small group during the school year and volunteer with a VBS for children in the intercity of Richmond. What service has taught me as that no matter where you are, you can find a way to help someone in need. Volunteering is one of the most rewarding activities and I hope to continue to find ways to give back in my future.
I am a senior at Glen Allen High School in the Center for Education and Human Development. As a member of the center, I am granted with so many wonderful opportunities that allow me to be active in community service. For two straight summers, I volunteered with a Henrico county social skills program for middle schoolers with Autism. The program is known as SNAPS and does an incredible job of creating a comfortable environment for all students to interact and build relationships. After volunteering with this program, I was given the opportunity to be a buddy at the Special Olympics with students from Glen Allen. Each Monday I serve as a tutor at Greenwood Elementary School through a partnership with the school’s principal to help encourage the students to work hard in achieving their academic goals. Along with these service opportunities that came from my school, I have also been blessed to have the opportunity to volunteer with my church. I lead a first-grade small group during the school year and volunteer with a VBS for children in the intercity of Richmond. What service has taught me as that no matter where you are, you can find a way to help someone in need. Volunteering is one of the most rewarding activities and I hope to continue to find ways to give back in my future.
Jacqueline Hemp
One of the highlights of my high school career was my opportunity to give back to my community. I’ve had the opportunity to work with the students and staff at Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School to create a Children’s Engineering program for the students. Through this project, I have also been able to help with their summer school program for the past few summers. Additionally, I have had the chance to work with Jacob’s Chance to help kids of all abilities play sports. I love playing with the kids and seeing their smiling faces. Working with United Methodist Family Services has also been a great opportunity to help underprivileged kids in the community. I have enjoyed working with the different organizations in order to give back to my community.
One of the highlights of my high school career was my opportunity to give back to my community. I’ve had the opportunity to work with the students and staff at Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School to create a Children’s Engineering program for the students. Through this project, I have also been able to help with their summer school program for the past few summers. Additionally, I have had the chance to work with Jacob’s Chance to help kids of all abilities play sports. I love playing with the kids and seeing their smiling faces. Working with United Methodist Family Services has also been a great opportunity to help underprivileged kids in the community. I have enjoyed working with the different organizations in order to give back to my community.
$1,100 Scholarship Award
Alexander Sellers
Alex Sellers is finishing his high school career with well over 1,000 hours of community service. His commitment to service began at Shady Grove, where he still volunteers weekly. He assists classroom teachers in instructing special needs children and attends special events, such as Little Feet Meet, Jingle Bell Jam, Challenger Day and Field Day. He earned his Eagle Scout rank at age 14. For his project, he designed and built a Sensory Cart used by the Shady Grove students he works with. He has completed numerous service projects with his Venture Crew and Scout Troop, and is currently serving as a staff member for the National Youth Leadership Training program. Alex has a weekly Meals on Wheels route, where he delivers meals to elderly or homebound residents. In addition, he has volunteered with the Youth Conservation Corps clearing trails, building picnic pads, and maintaining ecological sites, and plans to pursue a degree in environmental engineering.
Alex Sellers is finishing his high school career with well over 1,000 hours of community service. His commitment to service began at Shady Grove, where he still volunteers weekly. He assists classroom teachers in instructing special needs children and attends special events, such as Little Feet Meet, Jingle Bell Jam, Challenger Day and Field Day. He earned his Eagle Scout rank at age 14. For his project, he designed and built a Sensory Cart used by the Shady Grove students he works with. He has completed numerous service projects with his Venture Crew and Scout Troop, and is currently serving as a staff member for the National Youth Leadership Training program. Alex has a weekly Meals on Wheels route, where he delivers meals to elderly or homebound residents. In addition, he has volunteered with the Youth Conservation Corps clearing trails, building picnic pads, and maintaining ecological sites, and plans to pursue a degree in environmental engineering.
Caitlyn McDevitt
As a student of the Center for Government, Leadership, and Global Economics, I had the opportunity to attend the most diverse school in Henrico County. During my time at Freeman High School, I met people from all walks of life with stories and perspectives that altered my views and perspectives for the better. Freeman has allowed me to become a better Global citizen but at the same time has revealed the extreme poverty, racial divides, and phobias still alive within American society. To combat the everyday divisions I saw, I ran for student government so that I could plan events and dances that unify the student body and give everyone the opportunity to have a regular high school experience and uplift my community. As a class officer I was also given the platform to go out into the community and request gift cards and coupons from local businesses that were given to students that passed SOLs despite extreme hardship and to help teachers that buy groceries for students that often don’t get all the resources they need at home to be engaged and comfortable to learn. As a leader of the Rebelettes Community Service club, I had the opportunity to help create and stock Little Free Libraries. We recycled old newspaper holders from the Richmond Times-Dispatch into book holders and placed them at the edge of the school in hopes of reaching all members of the Freeman community. This fall, I will attend the University of Virginia and study environmental law and public health. Access to clean air and water is a human right, and I will fight for those whose rights have been violated. Whether it be through drafting legislation, lobbying, or defending those who suffered injustice as an attorney, I will not be dissuaded from helping those in need. This passion for serving my community, however, is rooted in the experiences and connections I made throughout my educational journey, beginning at Shady Grove.
As a student of the Center for Government, Leadership, and Global Economics, I had the opportunity to attend the most diverse school in Henrico County. During my time at Freeman High School, I met people from all walks of life with stories and perspectives that altered my views and perspectives for the better. Freeman has allowed me to become a better Global citizen but at the same time has revealed the extreme poverty, racial divides, and phobias still alive within American society. To combat the everyday divisions I saw, I ran for student government so that I could plan events and dances that unify the student body and give everyone the opportunity to have a regular high school experience and uplift my community. As a class officer I was also given the platform to go out into the community and request gift cards and coupons from local businesses that were given to students that passed SOLs despite extreme hardship and to help teachers that buy groceries for students that often don’t get all the resources they need at home to be engaged and comfortable to learn. As a leader of the Rebelettes Community Service club, I had the opportunity to help create and stock Little Free Libraries. We recycled old newspaper holders from the Richmond Times-Dispatch into book holders and placed them at the edge of the school in hopes of reaching all members of the Freeman community. This fall, I will attend the University of Virginia and study environmental law and public health. Access to clean air and water is a human right, and I will fight for those whose rights have been violated. Whether it be through drafting legislation, lobbying, or defending those who suffered injustice as an attorney, I will not be dissuaded from helping those in need. This passion for serving my community, however, is rooted in the experiences and connections I made throughout my educational journey, beginning at Shady Grove.
Sophia Pawela
Throughout Sophia Pawela’s four year she has been heavily involved in the community. She designated hours weekly to Hope church and volunteered her time with the special needs children. She also was apart of the National Honors Society and Beta club where community service was required. She was a council member for the mentor program at her school where she lead a program that aimed to help freshmen come into high school with ease. She was a lead mentor for the SODA club which allowed her to attend middle school and teach lessons to 6th grade students. Sophia has done a lot for the community, but has also been heavily involved in sports. She spent 4 year on sideline cheer, competition cheer, and lacrosse. She served as captain for both teams and made the all region and all state teams for competition cheer.
Throughout Sophia Pawela’s four year she has been heavily involved in the community. She designated hours weekly to Hope church and volunteered her time with the special needs children. She also was apart of the National Honors Society and Beta club where community service was required. She was a council member for the mentor program at her school where she lead a program that aimed to help freshmen come into high school with ease. She was a lead mentor for the SODA club which allowed her to attend middle school and teach lessons to 6th grade students. Sophia has done a lot for the community, but has also been heavily involved in sports. She spent 4 year on sideline cheer, competition cheer, and lacrosse. She served as captain for both teams and made the all region and all state teams for competition cheer.
Caroline Parlantieri
I am a Class of 2019 graduate and I will be attending the University of Georgia this upcoming fall. Throughout middle and high school, I have been actively involved in my community and many others by participating in numerous service projects and activities over the years. I attended summer mission trips to Savannah, Raleigh, Roanoke, Charlotte, and Philadelphia with Christ Church Episcopal in which I served various communities. Throughout my time in high school, I have also helped tutor underclassmen students in many subjects. Outside of school, I helped coach the Shadycats field hockey program along with Strikers field hockey where I taught the sport of field hockey and leadership skills to the young girls. Being exposed to volunteer work at an early age was without a doubt one of the most humbling experiences I've had. Giving back to others and seeing the impact one individual can have on a community is incredible.
I am a Class of 2019 graduate and I will be attending the University of Georgia this upcoming fall. Throughout middle and high school, I have been actively involved in my community and many others by participating in numerous service projects and activities over the years. I attended summer mission trips to Savannah, Raleigh, Roanoke, Charlotte, and Philadelphia with Christ Church Episcopal in which I served various communities. Throughout my time in high school, I have also helped tutor underclassmen students in many subjects. Outside of school, I helped coach the Shadycats field hockey program along with Strikers field hockey where I taught the sport of field hockey and leadership skills to the young girls. Being exposed to volunteer work at an early age was without a doubt one of the most humbling experiences I've had. Giving back to others and seeing the impact one individual can have on a community is incredible.
Alyssa Pasini
Hello! My name is Alyssa Pasini and I'll be attending the University of Vermont this Fall, chasing big dreams thanks to all of the guidance this community has given me along the way. Ever since my days as a Shady Grove Cardinal, I've tried every which way to give back and play a purposeful part in this wonderful little world. This includes getting involved with community service through school (by way of BETA club, Interact Club and Deep Run Mentors), through special organizations such as CARE (Cat Adoption and Rescue Efforts) and Music Orchard, and all of the ways in between (such as participating in the Short Pump "Symphonette" and the Deep Run Marathon Dance). I've truly grown so much through giving; I've written a newsletter that drew in over $20,000 dollars in donations to CARE, I've encouraged two great kids to love the violin, I've given a hand in strengthening the community bond... all of which - and more - have helped me discover myself and the value of goodness. I really can't thank enough everyone who has helped me get this far, and I promise to do great things one day with this scholarship. Thank you so much for helping me begin the next meaningful journey in my life!
Hello! My name is Alyssa Pasini and I'll be attending the University of Vermont this Fall, chasing big dreams thanks to all of the guidance this community has given me along the way. Ever since my days as a Shady Grove Cardinal, I've tried every which way to give back and play a purposeful part in this wonderful little world. This includes getting involved with community service through school (by way of BETA club, Interact Club and Deep Run Mentors), through special organizations such as CARE (Cat Adoption and Rescue Efforts) and Music Orchard, and all of the ways in between (such as participating in the Short Pump "Symphonette" and the Deep Run Marathon Dance). I've truly grown so much through giving; I've written a newsletter that drew in over $20,000 dollars in donations to CARE, I've encouraged two great kids to love the violin, I've given a hand in strengthening the community bond... all of which - and more - have helped me discover myself and the value of goodness. I really can't thank enough everyone who has helped me get this far, and I promise to do great things one day with this scholarship. Thank you so much for helping me begin the next meaningful journey in my life!
$575 Scholarship Award
Julia Galbraith
I am a senior at St. Catherine's School, and I am attending the US Naval Academy next year. I have participated on many sport teams, with extracurricular activities, and with STEM programs, but most importantly I have valued the importance of community service throughout my high school years. I have enjoyed volunteering for the Jacob's Chance Organization and with various STEM events, such as Full STEAM Ahead, activities with younger students at St. Catherine's, and events at the Science Museum of VA. These community service involvements have instilled in me the importance of serving others in the community.
I am a senior at St. Catherine's School, and I am attending the US Naval Academy next year. I have participated on many sport teams, with extracurricular activities, and with STEM programs, but most importantly I have valued the importance of community service throughout my high school years. I have enjoyed volunteering for the Jacob's Chance Organization and with various STEM events, such as Full STEAM Ahead, activities with younger students at St. Catherine's, and events at the Science Museum of VA. These community service involvements have instilled in me the importance of serving others in the community.
Sive Lowell
Allie Kelleher
My name is Allie Kelleher. I am graduating from Deep Run High School and will be attending James Madison University in the fall. For the past few years, I have had several opportunities to serve my community The past four summers, I have volunteered at a school for underprivileged kids in downtown Richmond called Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School, where I have tutored students in math and reading. Last year, I had the opportunity to work with Mrs. Daniels, my kindergarten teacher at Shady Gove, and her SGES first grade students during the second semester. I helped with lesson plans and stations, as well as worked with students individually. I am thankful for all being able to serve and learn more about how I can make a difference in the community.
My name is Allie Kelleher. I am graduating from Deep Run High School and will be attending James Madison University in the fall. For the past few years, I have had several opportunities to serve my community The past four summers, I have volunteered at a school for underprivileged kids in downtown Richmond called Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School, where I have tutored students in math and reading. Last year, I had the opportunity to work with Mrs. Daniels, my kindergarten teacher at Shady Gove, and her SGES first grade students during the second semester. I helped with lesson plans and stations, as well as worked with students individually. I am thankful for all being able to serve and learn more about how I can make a difference in the community.
Paige Murphy
Paige Murphy recently graduated from Collegiate school and has spent most of her time volunteering to give back to the Collegiate community. She is an avid field hockey player who decided to share her love of the game and help out as a volunteer coach in the Cougar Quest field hockey camps for elementary and middle school students last year and this summer. In addition, she became a tour guide for Collegiate’s upper school, taking time out of her study halls to show any perspective or admitted students and their families the Collegiate community. These past two years she spent her time after school in the spring in the Collegiate athletic training room where she could help out doing small things like wrapping and icing the injured student athletes. This past summer she traveled with a small group of Collegiate students to Wise, Virginia to participate in a medical and dental pop up clinic called Remote Area Medical, which provides free healthcare to those in more rural and secluded areas of America where people generally don’t have the resources to receive the necessary care. Due to these experiences, Paige has found a passion for sports medicine and will continue her education at the University of Virginia in the Kinesiology program this fall.
Paige Murphy recently graduated from Collegiate school and has spent most of her time volunteering to give back to the Collegiate community. She is an avid field hockey player who decided to share her love of the game and help out as a volunteer coach in the Cougar Quest field hockey camps for elementary and middle school students last year and this summer. In addition, she became a tour guide for Collegiate’s upper school, taking time out of her study halls to show any perspective or admitted students and their families the Collegiate community. These past two years she spent her time after school in the spring in the Collegiate athletic training room where she could help out doing small things like wrapping and icing the injured student athletes. This past summer she traveled with a small group of Collegiate students to Wise, Virginia to participate in a medical and dental pop up clinic called Remote Area Medical, which provides free healthcare to those in more rural and secluded areas of America where people generally don’t have the resources to receive the necessary care. Due to these experiences, Paige has found a passion for sports medicine and will continue her education at the University of Virginia in the Kinesiology program this fall.
About the Thomas B. Fernald Scholarship
The Thomas B. Fernald Scholarship honors students who have used their time, talent or education to be a leader in their community. The Thomas B. Fernald Scholars will be awarded money raised by the Shady Grove Elementary School PTA. The Shady Grove Elementary PTA established this scholarship to honor the school’s first principal, Thomas B. Fernald. Mr. Fernald had a strong impact at Shady Grove, making sure he taught his cardinals stewardship and leadership in addition to academics.
During his time at Shady Grove, our Cardinals participated in numerous community service projects including Project CARE where the 4th graders applied for an won a Prudential Insurance: Spirit of Community Initiative Grant which provided the students the resources to record books on tape for MVC’s Pediatric Oncology Unit. Students also adopted grandparents from Ginter Hall, made valentines for patients at the VA Hospital and Children’s Hospital, packed lunches for the homeless residents of Richmond’s Freedom House, and participated in Jump Rope for Heart to raise money for the American Heart Association.
Mr. Fernald made sure that education at Shady Grove included being thankful, being kind and caring to others, helping the less fortunate thus gaining a deeper appreciation for one’s own blessings.
In 2000, the PTA recognized Mr. Fernald’s achievements and began raising funds to honor students who had attended Shady Grove and who have used their time, talent, or education to be a leader in their community. Although Mr. Fernald retired from Shady Grove in 2003, his legacy of giving to others lives on.
During his time at Shady Grove, our Cardinals participated in numerous community service projects including Project CARE where the 4th graders applied for an won a Prudential Insurance: Spirit of Community Initiative Grant which provided the students the resources to record books on tape for MVC’s Pediatric Oncology Unit. Students also adopted grandparents from Ginter Hall, made valentines for patients at the VA Hospital and Children’s Hospital, packed lunches for the homeless residents of Richmond’s Freedom House, and participated in Jump Rope for Heart to raise money for the American Heart Association.
Mr. Fernald made sure that education at Shady Grove included being thankful, being kind and caring to others, helping the less fortunate thus gaining a deeper appreciation for one’s own blessings.
In 2000, the PTA recognized Mr. Fernald’s achievements and began raising funds to honor students who had attended Shady Grove and who have used their time, talent, or education to be a leader in their community. Although Mr. Fernald retired from Shady Grove in 2003, his legacy of giving to others lives on.
If you know a past Shady Grove Cardinal who is graduating from high school this year and who exemplifies stewardship and leadership, please encourage them to apply for the Thomas B. Fernald Scholarship.
