The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce NOW committees and board of directors presented three area students with scholarships at its quarterly member meeting July 24.
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber, in partnership with Go Virginia, Fredericksburg, Stafford, Caroline, Spotsylvania, and King George public schools, Germanna Community College and University of Mary Washington host an annual Intern Expo in February. A scholarship application opportunity was offered to any student who attended the expo. The following three students were selected as the 2024 Workforce NOW Scholarship Recipients.
Kaitlynn Snell, Caroline High School
Kaitlynn Snell recently graduated from Caroline High School and will be attending Christopher Newport University in the fall. She is considered an advocate for accessibility and creates awareness on all available platforms about varying medical conditions.
She has received the scholar award every year while attending Caroline High and participated in many extracurricular activities including debate and forensics team, environmental club, national honor society, CCPS Advisory Committee for Exceptional Education, Volunteer for Paws for Purple Hearts, all while maintaining a job as in-home day care assistant.
Kaitlynn became disabled and wheelchair bound at the age of 14 and found out firsthand the need for mental health professionals and accessible accommodations. As she navigated her new norm, she vowed to help others and created her plan to study healthcare and advocacy.
One of her references stated, “Kaitlynn has worked through many health issues in her life. She is one of the bravest students I have ever taught in the way she deals with these issues and works to not let them interfere with her learning and success.”
She received a $1,500 Workforce NOW Scholarship.
John Garecht, Courtland High School
John Garecht recently graduated from Courtland High School in Spotsylvania with a GPA of 4.828 and was the president of his senior class. He received a $1,500 scholarship to go towards his tuition at the University of Virginia in the fall.
John was selected to represent Courtland as an ambassador for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar at Randolph Macon College. At the seminar, he participated in programs designed to develop his leadership and teamwork skills. John is passionate about helping his community and improving the lives of others which shows through his volunteerism with Red Cross blood donations, collecting soda cap tops for the Ronald McDonald House, volunteering regularly at the Deuce Braswell Run Against Teen Violence, as well as Tim Tebow’s A Night to Shine, YMCA Healthy Kids Day, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk.
John’s biology teacher, Mrs. Hauger stated, “John epitomizes the characteristics of an outstanding, successful student. He is always conscientious, prepared and inquisitive. He has an incredible work ethic and desire to learn.” John balances a difficult academic schedule while playing varsity football and participating in many extracurricular activities and clubs.
Nora Burrows, Germanna Community College
The final scholarship recipient of the day was Nora Burrows. Nora believes helping others is her purpose. She became a real estate agent to help people accomplish their goals of home ownership. However, after several years as an agent, she realized she was ready to go a different route.
She has a degree in fashion design and merchandising from Virginia Commonwealth University, but has decided to return to school and get a degree in nursing to become a registered nurse, which she feels will allow her to fulfill her purpose in a more meaningful way. Nora is a current student at Germanna Community College and plans to transfer to a four-year university for her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Nora stated, “Ten years from now, I see myself as the owner of a spa-like clinic that specializes in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Aesthetic services will also be offered. My purpose will be to help people look and feel their best. My objective will be to provide a different treatment for people suffering with depression. Better emotional health can be accentuated with a range of cosmetic treatments and vice versa. I see myself being proud of myself for going for my dreams!”
