The 2024 Graduate Shine Award Winner
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The 2024 Graduate Shine Award Winner
Two members of the Graduate Shine Award attended the graduation ceremony at Maggie L. Walker High School.
They began their presentation with these words:
We, alongside 10 other selection committee members, are a part of the Graduate Shine Award team. The Graduate Shine Award is a private scholarship initiated by local Richmond artist and writer, Debra Hill. In recent years, Mrs. Hill has written children’s books, spoken word poetry, online articles, and plays, and has produced music all while being visually impaired and impacted by blindness. She is a current board member of the Virginia state affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, and she works with individuals and community-based organizations to bring awareness about instituting true inclusion into our environments.
In 2019, Mrs. Hill began the Graduate Shine Award scholarship program to recognize graduating seniors in the Central Virginia area who demonstrate the following qualities: overcoming adversity, achieving personal growth, advancing in educational and/or career development, and undertaking community service. This year, we had our highest applicant pool yet — over 80 students submitted a personal statement that was evaluated by our committee for the aforementioned qualities. After three rounds of evaluation, our selection committee is proud to announce that the scholarship recipient this year is a Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School graduating senior.
This senior has led their cross-country team to a regional championship title, which is a huge accomplishment given that they believed they would be unable to run when they were younger due to a severe leg condition. They sought out and received empathetic care through their medical team, which inspired them to pursue a career as a doctor guided by, quote, “compassion and creativity.” Alongside achieving the dream of leading the cross-country team, their running talents have been used continuously by raising money and participating in an annual Turkey Trot for the last four years, where with every mile run, $5 is donated to a food bank.
With all these accomplishments and more, we are deeply honored to present the 2024 Graduate Shine Award to graduating senior Rehaan Jain. Congratulations, Rehaan!
I would like to thank my multi-talented daughter, Kindra Hill, Scholarship Manager; for her dedication and service to the Graduate Shine Award. She flawlessly communicates with counselors and students, coordinates efforts of the selection committee, and oversees the presentation process for the award. Under her leadership over the past few years, we have tripled the number of applicants received for the award and also expanded the committee from three persons to twelve committed members. Thank you so much Kindra for making this a success each year!
Thank you to the 12 members of the selection community who dearly and gently took the time to use their talents to review applicants and thoughtfully choose the final winner. Your commitment to supporting our youth and encouraging them towards their future is outstanding.
As the founder of the Graduate Shine Award, each year, I am more excited about our graduating seniors. They face so many obstacles and challenges each day that may discourage many to give up. Each year I hear more stories about their courage and perseverance and their final success as high school graduates. I am so proud of the youth of today who give me true hope for tomorrow.
Congratulations Rehaan!
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.
The American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) to Host Free Summer Information Sessions at Richmond Public Libraries
The American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) is proud to announce its latest community initiative called, How we do it: Learn about accessible reading resources for the blind and low-vision, aimed at furthering community awareness, knowledge, and independence. In collaboration with Richmond Public Libraries, ACBVA will host three free summer information sessions from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, on June 4, July 2, and August 6.
Please see the Press Release.
American Council of the Blind (ACBVA) Membership Drive
Looking for ways to serve and support the blind and visually impaired community?
Join the ACBVA community.
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