BayPort Awards $100,000 in Scholarships and Prepares to Expand Program to $150,000

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., June 23, 2026 – The BayPort Foundation today announced it has awarded $100,000 in scholarships to 35 member students through 12 scholarship programs, helping recipients pursue degrees and certifications at colleges, universities, trade schools, and vocational programs throughout the region.

The announcement comes as the Foundation prepares to significantly expand its scholarship program. Earlier this year, the Foundation announced that annual scholarship funding will increase from $100,000 to $150,000 beginning next year, creating additional opportunities for students and working adults across the communities BayPort serves.

The enhanced program will increase scholarship award amounts and strengthen support for students pursuing a 2×2 educational pathway—completing two years at a community college before transferring to a four-year university. Under the expanded program, scholarship awards may cover most, if not all, annual community college tuition costs. The Foundation is also increasing flexibility for working adults pursuing degrees, certifications, and career advancement through colleges, universities, trade schools, and vocational programs.

BayPort has partnered with WAVY-TV 10 and FOX43 TV to recognize its 2026 scholarship recipients through the BayPort Foundation Scholarship Salute. The Scholarship Salute will air daily from June 22 through July 30. Community members can also view the full voluntary recognition series beginning June 22 on BayPort’s YouTube channel.

The BayPort Foundation 2026 scholarship recipients are as follows:

• Beard-Bennett Memorial Scholarship
  • Aiden Byrd, Smithfield High School
  • Taylor Hitt, Salem High School
  • Ashlin Jones, Poquoson High School
  • Wai-Yun Quach, Kecoughtan High School
  • Shanice Waite, Warwick High School
  • ReNaya Williams, Grassfield High School, Governor’s STEM Academy

• Burton P. Hill Scholarship
  • Teagan Soderholm, University of Virginia 

• Directors Scholarship
  • Brandon Banks, George Mason University
  • Olivia Jackson, University of Virginia
  • Katelyn Lawson, Bryant & Stratton College
  • Isaiah Moody, Carnegie Mellon University
  • David Morgan, Old Dominion University
  • Synetheia Newby, Fuller Theological Seminary
  • Raheem Strong, George Mason University and Virginia Commonwealth University

• Donald I. Steppe Memorial Scholarship
  • Madison Townsend, Virginia Commonwealth University

• George R. Dudley, Jr. Scholarship
  • Raven Mulvey, Menchville High School

• Julie Heldreth Memorial Scholarship
  • Meaghan Wynn, Virginia Peninsula Community College
  • Brianna Parks, Virginia Peninsula Community College

• McGee Family Scholarship
  • Amy De Young, Virginia Peninsula Community College 

• Rowe Family Scholarship
  • Brandon Mayfield, Old Dominion University

• Student-Run Credit Union Member Scholarship
  • Gabriela Artis, Western Branch High School
  • Clarence Banks, Kecoughtan High School
  • Keshawn Brogdon, Woodside High School
  • Morjaan Bruce, Oscar Smith High School
  • Alexandria Feliciano, Gloucester High School
  • Jordyn Whitfield, Bethel High School

• Tuition Booster Scholarship
  • Leslie Carroll, Bryant & Stratton College
  • Tamarea Jones, Prince George Community College 
  • Trisha Mills, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Alison Mitchell, University of Virginia
  • Monique Smith, Bryant & Stratton College
  • Reagan Wheeler, Virginia Peninsula Community College

• Wiatt Memorial Apprentice School Scholarship
  • Josh Seaton, Saint Leo University
  • Shaana Thomas, Southern New Hampshire University

• Wright Family Apprentice School Scholarship
  • Natasha Pekala, Southern New Hampshire University

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