The winner of the 2025 Graduate Shine Award, Brielle Bugauisan
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Debra Hill, founder of the Graduate Shine Award, along with Graduate Shine Committee member April Branch, are delighted to announce the recipient of the 2025 award to: Brielle Bugauisan!
This award was presented on Thursday, May 8th, at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School. We were pleased to join other award organizations that presented scholarships and certificates of recognition to outstanding graduates.
The Graduate Shine Award is given to a student who shares their story of facing and overcoming adversities on their road to successful completion of high school. Each applicant submitted a 500-word essay, and the 10-person committee carefully reviewed each submission and chose the deserving student.
Please read and admire Brielle’s submission, which made her the top choice of this year’s pool.
2025 Winning Essay by Brielle Bugauisan
For years, I struggled to speak. My inability to form words during social situations wasn’t because I didn’t want to communicate—rather, I was so overwhelmed that I physically couldn’t. Doctors called it “selective mutism,” a rare anxiety disorder. Though it felt isolating, this diagnosis provided clarity and started my journey toward growth.
Dance became my first avenue of self-expression. My parents enrolled me in classes to help me connect with others, and while I initially stayed silent, the moment we started dancing, I felt free. Dance wasn’t about speaking—it was about moving, expressing emotions, and connecting without words. During a recital, I spoke for the first time, overcoming years of silence. This breakthrough not only gave me a new way to communicate but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the power of self-expression.
In high school, my interest in communication deepened when I began learning American Sign Language (ASL). I was drawn to its beauty and rhythm, which reminded me of dance. Through ASL, I connected with the Deaf community, which is often marginalized. As president of my school’s ASL club, I focused on increasing visibility and engagement, organizing events and partnerships to raise awareness and build inclusivity. I saw firsthand how small actions could empower a community to feel heard.
My struggle with selective mutism and my involvement in ASL shaped my academic and personal aspirations. I realized that every challenge could be an opportunity for growth. I aim to become a chemical engineer, working toward sustainable solutions to environmental issues, while also serving as an ASL interpreter to break down communication barriers. Both passions share a common thread: using my skills to empower and help others.
As a student at Maggie Walker Governor’s School, I embraced challenges both academically and socially. I excelled in advanced science and math, took on leadership roles like Project Lead in the Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) Academy, and guided my peers as a Team Lead in the United States Association for Young Physicists Tournament (USAYPT). These experiences honed my problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership abilities, which will help me navigate future challenges as an engineer and community advocate.
Beyond academics, I have dedicated myself to service, particularly through my involvement with Miracles in Motion, a nonprofit that provides dance education to individuals with special needs. I’ve spent four years and over 400 hours volunteering my time by teaching, assisting, and building relationships, learning how to lead with empathy and create inclusive spaces for self-expression. Volunteering has taught me the importance of community and made me realize how dance can transcend language, allowing people to connect and communicate in profound ways.
This scholarship will enable me to continue pursuing my passions in both engineering and community service. I’m committed to using my education to break down barriers—whether through the development of sustainable technologies or by advocating for the Deaf and special needs communities. I hope to inspire others to overcome their own obstacles and find their voice, just as I did.
Brielle expressed that she will go on to pursue her bachelor’s from Purdue University, majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in American Sign Language.
We wish her continued success and know she will continue to let her light shine in all her future endeavors.
Graduate Shine Award Winners
I am pleased to announce the winners of the Debra Hill Graduate Shine Award Scholarship!
Special Thanks
Again this year, Kindra Hill expertly managed and coordinated the entire process for sharing information about this award with high school counselors, organizing all application submissions and guiding the committee’s review process and final selection of this year’s winner. Kindra, your multitasking abilities are amazing!
Thank you so much for your support of the Graduate Shine Award.
I truly appreciate the Graduate Shine Award Committee, a team of individuals dedicated to encouraging, empowering and recognizing today’s youth. I admire how each of you thoroughly analyze and rate each submission, and thoughtfully select the ultimate winner. Thank you all for being such a great team and making this award a success again this year!
Special thanks to April Branch for attending the graduation award ceremony with me and presenting the certificate to our winner! You also took pictures and videos of this important occasion. Thanks for always going above and beyond the call of duty!
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
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