November is National Scholarship Month…So have your Graduate consider the Graduate Shine Award!
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November is National Scholarship Month…So have your Graduate consider the Graduate Shine Award!
Now more than ever, it is more of a financial challenge after you graduate to move on to the next stage in your education. In light of this, I am very pleased to be able to provide a scholarship for high school graduates. In 2019, I founded the Graduate Shine Award, a private scholarship for graduating seniors. This scholarship acknowledges the winner’s enormous efforts in the face of adversity. The recipient receives a certificate and a $500.00 award.
Today’s high school graduates are presented with a number of obstacles which have never been faced to this magnitude. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic permanently altered the way students interact and learn. The mounting accounts of mass school shootings have made some educational institutions feel more like penal systems with access restrictions and fear-driven drills. The never-ending invasion of social media into their lives has led some to anxiety and emotional instability. It is a wonder that any students graduate, yet they do.
Even with all the challenges outlined above and more, high school students continue to persevere and successfully earn their diplomas. I am so proud of these students. A primary part of the application is the submission of a 500-word or less essay that demonstrates the student’s examples of endurance, achieving personal growth, advancements in educational and/or career development, and community service and outreach.
I can only impact one graduate at a time with this award; however, I feel my influence goes even further. With this award, I hope all students feel that their hard work and perseverance are seen and appreciated. The world is depending on them for our future and the right choices they are making now will affect us all ultimately. Because they are letting their light shine now, our future is much brighter.
Is there something you can do to encourage our youth of today to continue to strive towards excellence in education, and careers, and improve our world? How can you, your business, or your organization partner with schools to support our students and our academic institutions? I would love to hear more about your efforts.
About the Graduate Shine Award
Applicant must be a State of Virginia graduating senior from Richmond City, Petersburg City, Henrico County, or Chesterfield County Public High School (Scholarship is open to graduating seniors joining the workforce, college, military, etc.).
Application MUST be submitted by Friday, March 6, 2026 by 11:59pm EST.
Congratulations to the 2025 Graduate Shine Award Winner, Brielle Bugauisan!
The Graduate Shine Award
- Applicant must be a graduating senior from a Richmond City, Petersburg City, Henrico County or Chesterfield County Public High School (scholarship is open to graduating seniors joining the workforce, college, military, etc.).
- Applicant should demonstrate examples of endurance, achieving personal growth, advancements in educational and/or career development, and community service and outreach.
- Awardee must sign social media agreement.
- Application MUST be submitted by Friday, March 6, 2026 by 11:59pm EST.
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.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
Join the American Council of the Blind of Virginia’s Email List
As a member of ACBVA, I encourage you to join our email list to be a part of a vibrant community of visually impaired persons, attend informative monthly online meetings, and learn more about important accessible resources.
For those interested in the benefits of the American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) organization, you can also become a member, click the link below!
