59 Local Students Receive More Than $800,000 For College

SPRINGFIELD, VA - 59 graduating high school seniors from 17 Northern Virginia schools were recently awarded scholarships totaling more than $807,000 through a long-running program funded by residents of Greenspring, an Erickson Senior Living community in Springfield.

The scholarships recognize student team members who have worked in the community’s dining venues while balancing school, extracurricular activities, and other responsibilities.

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This year, 127 scholarships were awarded, including 49 four-year scholarships worth $10,000 each. An additional 78 donor-designated scholarships, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, were also presented.

“The bond between the generations is real,” said Dr. Michelle Reid, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, who served as the event’s keynote speaker. “What I’ve been a part of this evening really describes what community is. Learning happens best in a community.”

Several Fairfax County principals attended the ceremony, including representatives from West Springfield High School, West Potomac High School, Thomas Edison High School, John R. Lewis High School, and James W. Robinson Secondary School.

The scholarship program is funded entirely through contributions from Greenspring residents and team members. Since its launch in 1999, the Greenspring Scholars’ Fund has raised more than $7 million to help student employees pursue college and trade school education.

To qualify for the four-year scholarship, students must work at least 1,000 hours during their junior and senior years of high school, maintain satisfactory grades, and remain in good standing as employees.

In addition to the standard scholarships, Greenspring residents also funded several donor-designated awards recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and family connections to the community. New this year was the Dr. James and Sherie Hambidge Honors Scholarship, awarded to students with a 4.0 GPA or higher.

Resident donor Freda Burner said she created the “Top of the Class” scholarship to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and dedication.

Greenspring Executive Director Karyn Flannagan praised the students for their perseverance and accomplishments.

“You’ve earned this moment through hard work, resilience, and heart,” Flannagan told the scholarship recipients. “This is just the beginning.”

The program reflects a unique partnership between residents and student team members, one that community leaders say continues to create opportunities for future generations while fostering meaningful relationships across age groups.