Meet some of our VASBA Scholarship recipients! Learn more about their paths of study, connections to the community and next steps towards their future in STEM.
Qaisera Alexis is Flight Education major at Hampton University. She came to Hampton University as three time Junior Olympian from Los Angeles, California with the goal of becoming a commercial pilot. Qaisera is a freshman honor's student at Hampton University with a 3.54/4.0 GPA and well on her way to accomplishing her goals. Among her peers, she is a leader and an innovator, bringing a barrage of new ideas and consistent work ethic. She volunteers at several organizations to include the American Red Cross and is a special needs advocate. Qaisera Alexis is an exceptional student, not only because of her academics, but also because of her outstanding personality, commitment and dedication. She is a leader among leaders.
One recipient of VASBA Educational Outreach scholarships is Mr. Zachary Ware, a student at Tidewater Community College (TCC). Zack is currently finishing up his associate's degree in Engineering, maintaining a 3.4 GPA while also serving as the treasurer of the STEM club, and is as an active member of Phi Theta Kappa. He also holds down a job where he uses the engineering skills developed at TCC, and has recently been promoted--assigned more engineering responsibilities. On top of all that, he and his wife Kenyon are expecting their second child in February. Zack plans to attend Old Dominion University starting this fall, pursuing either a Civil or Mechanical Engineering degree.
Mr. Shamarr Reed is a second year student at Thomas Nelson Community College who expects to graduate with an Associate Degree in Science in May 2017. Shamarr began his studies at Thomas Nelson in the engineering program with plans to transfer to Virginia Tech to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. He is now looking to transfer to Virginia Commonwealth University to continue his studies in chemistry and toxicology with hopes of working in the field of cancer research. He is a 2015 graduate of Woodside High School in Newport News where he was a member of the Advanced Choir, the track team and played defensive tackle on the football team. Shamarr volunteers with a local nursing home in Newport News and is a member of the First Baptist Church in Denbigh.
Jeffrey Watson '18 comes from Atlantic, Virginia and graduated from Holly Grove Christian School in Westover, Maryland. At Holly Grove, Jeffrey maintained a solid grade point average and Honor Roll status. While in school, he also participated in the Civil Air Patrol (an official Auxiliary of the United States Air Force) as a Cadet Technical Sergeant and earned the Wright Brothers Award. During the summer, Jeffrey completed an internship with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through the National Space Club Scholars Program. At Eastern Shore Community College, Jeffrey is pursuing a major in Electronics Technology. He was named to the President's List for his academic performance during the Fall 2016 semester. After graduation, Jeffrey plans to continue his education at a four-year university and pursue a career in electronics.
