Educate Fairfax Awards Record $91,500 in Scholarships at Second Annual Beyond the Tassel Celebration Educate Fairfax recently celebrated the accomplishments and aspirations of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) seniors during its second annual Beyond the Tassel scholarship celebration. At the event, the foundation awarded a record $91,500 through 47 scholarships to students representing 18 FCPS high schools. FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid praised the collective support system surrounding students and the role community partnerships play in their success. “I am deeply grateful to the individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and organizations that invested in these students through their philanthropy. Their support demonstrates the power of community and their belief in the promise and potential of every student,” Dr. Reid said. “Congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients as they begin their next chapter. We are so proud of you, and I know you will continue to make a positive difference in our world.” The celebration brought together scholarship recipients, families, educators, donors, and community leaders to recognize students whose hard work, leadership, and service have prepared them for success beyond graduation. Strong Communities Support Strong Students This year’s celebration marked significant growth: scholarship support increased by more than 50% compared to the $60,000 awarded in 2025. “This is what happens when a community comes together to believe in young people and invest in their future,” said Lynette Henry, executive director of Educate Fairfax. “Because donors, families, foundations, educators, and community partners said ‘yes,’ Educate Fairfax is proud to award $91,500 in scholarships. This is our largest scholarship investment yet and a powerful reminder that access to opportunity can change the trajectory of a student’s future.” During the ceremony, Henry reflected on her own journey of overcoming adversity and encouraged students to embrace their resilience as they begin their next chapter. “Success is not always a straight line,” Henry told students. “There will be moments of challenge and uncertainty, but tonight should remind you of something important: You are capable, you are prepared, and you have an entire community cheering you on as you move beyond the tassel.” Supporting Students’ Dreams The evening also highlighted the personal impact scholarships have on students pursuing higher education and career goals. Among the recipients was Lake Braddock Secondary School senior Gretchen Parrott, who will attend the College of William & Mary this fall. She plans to study biology on a pre-med track and hopes to become an oncology physical therapist. “Not only having the support of this community, but also financial support, is amazing,” Parrott said. “It blows me away how supportive our FCPS community is. I’m so grateful and don’t know what I would do without them.” Mount Vernon High School senior Joshua Osei-Nimoh, one of the evening’s scholarship recipients, delivered closing remarks on behalf of his fellow recipients. This fall, he will attend Old Dominion University to study cybersecurity. Osei-Nimoh credited community-based youth programs and scholarship opportunities with helping shape his future. “I had no idea how I was going to pay for college,” Osei-Nimoh said. “Receiving scholarships opened my eyes and motivated me to work even harder. Thank you to the donors, sponsors, and community partners. You are doing life-changing things.” Breaking Down Barriers Beyond the Tassel Beyond the Tassel was created to celebrate scholarship recipients and those who support their success. It applauds the families, educators, staff, mentors, donors, foundations, and community organizations that partner with Educate Fairfax. They connect students with opportunities and help remove financial barriers to higher education. Scholarships awarded during the event were made possible through partnerships with the Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators (FABSE), the Irene Rosenbaum Memorial Scholarship, ITServe Alliance, the John R. Lewis Leadership Program, the Juliana Kai Russell Memorial Scholarship, the Love Like Adam Foundation, REACH IN US Foundation, Think Big Expect More Scholarship sponsored by Think Big For Kids, and Educate Fairfax's own Imagine! Believe! Achieve! Scholarship. Educate Fairfax also recognized its annual sponsors and partners whose year-round support helps expand opportunities for FCPS students. These partners include Apple Federal Credit Union, Cox Business, I-66 Express Mobility Partners, RICOH USA, Moseley Architects, United Bank, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, and Kaiser Permanente. For more information, visit educatefairfax.org