Michael Bell graduated from Clover Hill High School in Chesterfield County and plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

In high school, he demonstrated strong academic achievement,  excelling in math and science, maintaining a 4.4 GPA. Michael now carries a full course load within a rigorous engineering curriculum. He is part of the Rocketry Club, plays tennis and works out regularly. He also has been working a part-time retail job on evenings and weekends.

Since arriving in the United States less than two years ago after fleeing the war in Ukraine, Michael finds purpose in serving others. He volunteers regularly with the Ukrainian community in Richmond, supporting events hosted by Jewish Family Services, First Presbyterian Church, and local nonprofit organizations. At home, Michael helps care for his grandmother, who came from Ukraine, by translating at medical appointments and assisting with daily needs.

Michael aspires to contribute to the advancement of aerospace or energy technologies. He hopes to pursue a minor in aerospace engineering and apply his knowledge to the development of new types of engines or, alternatively, to help improve energy infrastructure by advancing efficient sources such as nuclear power.

Michael draws strength from his family’s resilience and the support of his community, and he views education as the key to building a better future.

As a Wassmer Scholar, Michael is honored to carry forward the values of perseverance, leadership, and hope embodied by Mike Wassmer’s legacy

Morgan Leahman graduated from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School in Richmond and plans to pursue a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Creative Writing. Morgan has excelled academically, maintaining a 4.35 weighted GPA while deeply engaging in robotics, STEM mentoring, and the arts. As Electrical Lead and Department Manager for his school’s 422 Robotics team, he also served as Training Director in the off-season, dedicating long hours to teaching and mentoring younger students. Outside of robotics, Morgan pursues poetry, pottery, painting, and participates in Quizbowl, demonstrating a remarkable blend of technical skill and creative expression.

Morgan’s commitment to service extends beyond his own learning. He has volunteered extensively in Richmond elementary schools teaching STEM, creating curricula for robotics programs, and tutoring students in English. His efforts reflect a dedication to sharing knowledge, fostering curiosity, and empowering the next generation of learners. Through mentorship, Morgan has learned the value of patience, guidance, and compassion — principles he mirrors in every aspect of his life.

Morgan’s personal journey has also shaped his resilience and perspective. During his junior year, he became the primary caregiver for his mother, who battled stage four metastatic breast cancer until her passing in December 2024. In addition to managing household responsibilities, Morgan provided hands-on care and emotional support, lessons that deepened his understanding of human connection, empathy, and the fragility and beauty of life.

In the future, Morgan hopes to integrate his passions for engineering and the arts by pursuing innovations in sensory prosthetics while continuing his creative pursuits through poetry. He aspires to a career that combines technical ingenuity with human connection, building solutions that enhance life for others while exploring the depth of human experience.

Morgan is honored to represent the Wassmer Foundation, reflecting the values of compassion, mentorship, and perseverance — traits that guided Mike Wassmer and continue to inspire those who follow his legacy.

Martin Perez graduated from Clover Hill High School in Chesterfield and plans to attend VMI, where he intends to major in Civil Engineering. Throughout his life, Martin has demonstrated remarkable perseverance, leadership, and dedication. Growing up in Chile before returning to the United States less than two years ago, he faced the challenges of adapting to a new country, language, and educational system. Despite these obstacles, Martin excelled academically and athletically, earning recognition for his performance in multiple sports, including football, volleyball, handball, and basketball, where he often served as captain.

Martin’s leadership extends beyond athletics. He has been an active member of his church for many years, serving as a translator and volunteer organizer, providing vital support for his community. At home, he has taken on significant responsibilities, supporting his parents and younger siblings financially and emotionally as they adjusted to life in a new country. Through these experiences, Martin has cultivated a deep sense of empathy, responsibility, and resilience—qualities that define his character and approach to life.

Martin reflects the values of Mike Wassmer through his determination, integrity, and commitment to serving others. He embodies leadership not as a position but as a responsibility, consistently mentoring peers, supporting his community, and facing challenges with perseverance and grace.

By studying Civil Engineering at VMI, Martin is excited to combine his love for problem-solving and innovation with his determination to make a meaningful impact.

Martin is thankful for the opportunity provided to him by the Wassmer Foundation and he is committed to represent Mike’s core values by positively influencing his community and inspiring those around him.

Destiny Bigos graduated in the top 10 of Thomas Dale High School’s Class of 2024. She now attends James Madison University with plans to double major in Dance and Education. 

Destiny performed with many organizations and groups throughout high school including Spotlight Studio’s Senior Company, Thomas Dale High School’s Specialty Center Dance Center, and the Specialty Dance Center Ensemble (SCDE). She showcased a self-choreographed solo at the Central Virginia Youth Dance Festival in Richmond and performed with the SCDE at the National High School Dance Festival in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Destiny proudly served as dance captain of the Knighingales and Knightscene show choirs her junior and senior years and is excited to continue working with the Knightingales this year as a choreographer. 

Destiny is incredibly thankful to the Wassmer Foundation for their kindness and generosity. She is proud to continue Mike Wassmer’s legacy through her pursuit in education and hopes to inspire others to do the same. 

Eleanor Lombardi is a 2024 graduate of Godwin High School and currently attends Auburn University. Eleanor is currently double majoring in professional flight and business, while being a member of Auburn’s Honors College, one of the top 50 honors colleges in the country. 

While in high school, Eleanor was selected for the Virginia Flight Pathways Academy, which provided flight education and training to a small number of students selected from across the state of Virginia. In addition, Eleanor has an entrepreneurial spirit. She created and continues to run a small jewelry business on Etsy, where she’s amassed over 3,000 sales. To give back to the community, she loves to share her creations with children facing a cancer diagnosis. 

Eleanor was deeply grateful to be recognized by the Wassmer Foundation, as it has enabled her to pursue her dreams at a well-respected university with highly ranked programs in business and aviation.

Eleanor’s goal is to exemplify Mike’s values of resilience, perseverance, integrity, and compassion and hopes one day to pay this gift forward. 

Phoenix Unzueta graduated from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School and is currently attending Georgetown University where he intends to major in Government.

Phoenix values giving back  values giving back to the community and making a positive impact in the lives of his neighbors. He spent numerous hours volunteering with a social justice nonprofit organization in Richmond called RISC which works to solve issues plaguing society such as lack of affordable housing, gun violence, and wage theft. Additionally, Phoenix has spent time campaigning for local candidates, ensuring that members of his community are knowledgeable of their candidate choices and voting locations. He hopes that this experience will guide him to make a meaningful impact in the world of policy and decision making that encompasses the US Government. Phoenix was also a member of his school’s varsity baseball team and spent his free time working as a line cook at CanCan Brasserie.

Phoenix is incredibly honored to be a Wassmer Scholar and is grateful to be attending his favorite university with this generous award. He looks forward to honoring Mike in all that he does and upholding his values of compassion and discipline. He believes that he will continue Mike’s legacy through his own hard work and dedication, striving to be the life long learner which Mike was.

Vyvy Mai graduated from Godwin High School and currently attends the University of Pennsylvania as a Biology major, hoping to continue onto medicine.

She is a nationally certified emergency medical technician who volunteers with Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad. She also volunteers with Helping Henrico’s Heroes to educate the community about bystander first aid and CPR and has helped with events for Rise Against Hunger. Vyvy also participates in the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement and has served as a leader for about 5 years, earning Member of the Year in 2019.

Vyvy is beyond honored to be a Wassmer Scholar. Mike’s commitment to challenge setbacks and his dedication towards his community is something she hopes to always exemplify.

Jazz Miles graduated from Richmond Community High School and will take a gap year and attend Howard University in the Fall of 2024.

Jazz was an intern for Richmond Public Schools where he worked closely with the superintendent. He is passionate about public policy and served as a State Senate page for now Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan. Jazz volunteered backstage at his former elementary school’s plays, at the YMCA, and worked at the award-winning ice cream shop Ruby Scoops Ice Cream & Sweets. He played varsity baseball for his zone high school as well, served on his school’s honor council for four years and served on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council for three years.

Jazz was the only youth member of the Mayor’s Human Rights Commission. Jazz is inspired by Michael Wassmer’s deep commitment to serving his community. Jazz said winning the Wassmer scholarship will help him complete his college education and continue to give back to his community.

Colby Taylor graduated from Deep Run High School and is attending the University of Tennessee – Knoxville as a Biology and History major while also participating in Army ROTC.

Colby was awarded the bronze medal tier United States Congressional Award as a Sophomore for his achievements in community service and personal development. Along with the Congressional Award, Colby is also an Eagle Scout, and attained the rank after he completed his Eagle Project; the creation of over 120 flag holders which could be utilized to honor veterans at the East End Cemetery in Richmond, as well as the restoration of said Veteran’s headstones. Colby was also a member of Deep Run’s football, wrestling, and indoor/outdoor track teams. Colby has volunteered extensively with many organizations, including his local American Legion chapter, Hands on RVA, and the Salvation Army.