Scholarship recipients
The Foundation’s board is excited to introduce our inaugural class of Wassmer Scholars. These five young adults were selected from an impressive pool of extremely talented, passionate and motivated high school seniors from across the Richmond region. They truly embody Mike’s core traits of compassion, determination, integrity and resilience, and we look forward to supporting them throughout their college journey.
VyVy MAI
Mills E. Godwin High School
University of Pennsylvania
Biology
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.
SUtton Marks
Maggie Walker Governor’s School
Virginia Tech
Computer Science & Cybersecurity
Sutton Marks graduated from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School and is currently attending Virginia Tech as a Computer Science major. He is also a member of Virginia Tech’s Honors College and is minoring in Cybersecurity.
Sutton has participated extensively in the Technology Student Association, spending countless hours in the fields of Computer Aided Design, Manufacturing, Data Science, and Cybersecurity. As a participant in math modeling competitions, Sutton has had the opportunity to compose several research papers applying mathematics to real-world concepts. He has also volunteered for Wings of Hope Ranch since seventh grade, where he found his passion for helping others and giving back.
Sutton looks forward to continuing Mike’s legacy of leadership, compassion, and integrity in college and beyond. He admires Mike’s lasting impact on the community and is honored to represent Mike and his values as a Wassmer Scholar.
Jazz Miles
Richmond Community High School
Attending Howard University, Fall 2024
Undecided
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.
Laura Quinonez
J.R. Tucker High School
Virginia Commonwealth University
Psychology
Laura Vanesa Quinonez Ospina graduated from J.R. Tucker High School and is currently attending Virginia Commonwealth University as a Psychology major.
Laura is from Bogota, Colombia. She came to the United States in 2020 and is an ESL student at Tucker High School. She started high school with many challenges. However, Laura is very grateful to the ESL department, especially her teachers. She gave back to the ESL department by assisting new students. She helped many different students as they adjusted to their new environment volunteering in newcomer classes. Using her empathy and bilingual skills, she helped students communicate by acting as an interpreter for many of the ESL teachers. Her positive energy throughout her own journey in learning English and succeeding in high school has been an inspiration and model for many of the students in similar positions. She did all of this while supporting her family and working continuously throughout high school.
Laura is deeply grateful for the Michael Wassmer Scholarship as it has opened the door for her education to become a psychologist. Laura is inspired by Mike’s story of resilience in the face of challenges. Laura looks forward to continuing her journey as a life-long learner and giving back to her community.
Colby Taylor
Deep Run High School
University of Tennessee
History and Biology/Army ROTC
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.
Are you a hard-working student with experience overcoming challenges to achieve your goals? The Michael Wassmer Foundation is proud to award multiple $30,000 need-based scholarships annually to outstanding students in the Richmond area.