Two Washington Scholars and four Alvey Scholars will be among the thousand incoming Eagles at the University of Mary Washington this fall 2024. These students have earned full-ride scholarships, which are renewable for four years of undergraduate studies with GPA and residential requirements. In addition, they are admitted to the Honors Program and have access to funding for experiential learning opportunities such as study abroad and undergraduate research.
The Washington Scholarship is available for Virginia residents, with priority given to those who apply for admission to UMW by Nov. 15. UMW’s Alvey Scholars program recognizes out-of-state students, again with priority for applying by Nov. 15. Several Alvey Scholarships focus on STEM majors, with generous support from Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59, who funded 12 Alvey Scholarships during her lifetime and through a transformational estate gift, leaving $30 million to the University of Mary Washington to fund scholars in science, technology, engineering and math through scholarships and undergraduate research. Applicants are automatically considered for UMW scholarship opportunities, including these top awards, which are equal to full tuition, fees, room and board.
This year’s scholars demonstrate a deep commitment to research through their academic excellence, as well as leadership experience as captains of athletics teams or community organizations, all while balancing their high school studies with service projects.
Meet the 2024 Washington and Alvey Scholars at UMW
Garrett Driscoll is originally from Burlington, New Jersey. He is a graduate of the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM), where he concentrated in macrobiology, with plans to continue that focus by studying conservation biology and environmental science at Mary Washington, with a minor in fine arts. He was a member of the first cohort in hydroponics research at the GSSM Mobile Hydroponics Research Lab. His work focused on the photoperiods of the nepeta cataria and nepeta subsessilis plants.
Driscoll was the varsity captain of his high school swim team for four years. He was an active member of the Rotary Interact Club and served as the vice president, leading community service projects on behalf of the local humane society. He also tutored students in both mathematics and biology and served as a natural helper, mentoring incoming students and helping them adjust to their new lives at the Governor’s School. He earned the Presidential Academic Award and the AP Scholar Award, and was a member of the National Honor Society and BETA club. He also earned the Ironman Award from his local swim club and the Team Spirit Award from his high school swim team.
“I felt that the excellent faculty, small class sizes and the overall feel of campus were a perfect fit and I’m excited to use the Alvey Scholarship to explore the natural world both locally and globally. I’m also looking forward to serving the campus community and Fredericksburg through the various community-focused clubs that the University of Mary Washington has to offer,” Driscoll said.
Greta Giese is from Brookville, Maryland, and graduated from Maryvale Preparatory School, where she completed the Visual Art Scholars Program. The rigorous pursuit includes four full credits of art electives, culminating in a portfolio that enhanced her application to Mary Washington. She also was student body president her senior year and was inducted into the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and National English Honor Society.
Giese volunteered at a local nature center and worked to take care of animals and educate the public on native Maryland wildlife. With that primary service and numerous other community endeavors, she regularly accumulated more than 150 service hours annually. She also is an avid rugby player and was a captain of her team for three seasons.
She plans to continue rugby at Mary Washington and pursue a major in conservation biology.
“The Alvey Scholarship is truly a blessing to my family and me. I plan to put my savings toward graduate school to further my education so I can make an even greater impact as a woman in STEM, and by doing this hopefully carrying on the legacy of Irene Piscopo Rodgers,” Giese said.
Abaigeal Higgins comes to Mary Washington from East Setauket, New York, where she graduated from Ward Melville High School. She has earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award and the Girl Scout Silver Award and has worked as a lifeguard and volunteer swim instructor. She captained the varsity swim team and was named All-State Varsity Swimmer. She has also been inducted into the National Honor Society and the Rho Kappa Honor Society. She is a President’s Volunteer Service Award recipient.
“I initially found Mary Washington through the varsity swim team here. I immediately felt extremely welcomed by both the coaches and the team members. I was also drawn to the school by the perfectly sized classes, where I could make connections with professors, and the very strong STEM programs offered. I also enjoy the proximity to D.C. as it could lead to potential internships in the future,” Higgins said.
Through the Alvey Scholarship, she plans to pursue a major in biology and take advantage of UMW’s phenomenal undergraduate research program, which invites students to the labs from their first year and includes a Summer Science Institute and numerous opportunities for projects and publications. She already has plans to work toward presenting at the Research and Creativity Symposium at the end of the year.
Fernando Ramirez Melenciano is from Hampton, Virginia. The Phoebus High School graduate focused on biology with a pre-med track, which he’ll continue to pursue at Mary Washington. He was the varsity wrestling captain and TRIO Talent Search assistant his senior year and earned the USMC Character and Leadership All-American Award. In addition, he volunteered for several Project Alpha activities, from landscaping and remodeling homes, to tutoring services and food drives. He has also been a Riverside Nurse summer volunteer.
Following this summer, he’ll start as a Washington Scholar at UMW.
“I am particularly drawn to the University because of its strong biology program and the opportunities for undergraduate research. I am excited about the chance to work with renowned faculty members, and to participate in hands-on research projects. The supportive and collaborative campus environment at Mary Washington will provide the ideal foundation for my journey towards medical school,” said Melenciano. “I am also eager to get involved in the Pre-Health Society and to take advantage of the university’s connections with local healthcare facilities for internships and volunteer opportunities. This scholarship opportunity will enable me to fully immerse myself in my studies and extracurricular activities, preparing me for a successful career in medicine.”
Aiddah Rotich is from Chesapeake, Virginia, and graduated from the International Baccalaureate program at Oscar Frommel Smith High School. She completed numerous research projects in biology, chemistry and global politics, including analyzing the effects of different levels of human activity on biochemical oxygen demand in a body of water. She explored associations between privet and English ivy at her local arboretum, where she also participated in ivy removal sessions, and focused on the 2008 post-election violence in Kenya. She has helped in tree planting sessions in Chesapeake City and conducted biology-based activities for fifth-graders from Chesapeake and Virginia Beach public schools at the NAS Oceana Air Show.
Rotich was awarded outstanding achievement in French in 2024, has earned honor roll distinction from the Virginia House of Delegates and received a 2024 presidential education award. In addition to the Washington Scholarship at UMW, she earned the Chesapeake Regional Healthcare 2023 summer externship program scholarship award.
She has been the garden coordinator of the Environmental Protection Club and one of three 12th-grade IB class representatives of the IB Leadership Committee, and she is a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and National Math Honor Society. At Mary Washington, she plans to pursue biochemistry and pre-medicine.
“I was drawn to UMW because of the beauty of the campus and most importantly the kind-hearted, welcoming and enthusiastic staff who were always ready to offer their assistance when I visited the campus. I am not only looking forward to exploring the opportunities made available to me through this scholarship, but also to having a positive impact on the campus and overall Fredericksburg community,” Rotich said.
Elizabeth Sedor is from Ellicott City, Maryland, and graduated from Centennial High School in three years. She sang in the chamber choir and studied in the school’s humanities program, which combines studies in English, history, theater and art. In the last year, she also worked in the archive of the Howard County Historical Society, gaining experience in the function and management of an archive including in preservation of historic documents, collections and database management, and research assistance.
She notably founded one of the first Boy Scouts of America female troops, Troop 944, and held troop leadership positions including senior patrol leader, troop guide, instructor and junior assistant scoutmaster and was elected by her fellow scouts into the Order of the Arrow, scouting’s service honor society. She attained the rank of Eagle Scout by leading a project for HopeWorks, an intimate partner violence shelter in Columbia, Maryland, refurbishing and improving their Healing Garden outdoor space. She also managed and organized the St. Mark Church food pantry, serving the needs of the local community.
Sedor has been a teammate and moderator for Centennial High School’s “It’s Academic” club, the academic bowl team, and competed on a local and national level in National Academic Quiz Tournaments, the United States Academic Bee and Bowl, and the National History Bee and Bowl. She has been inducted into the National Honor Society, History Honor Society and English Honor Society. At Mary Washington, she’ll continue her academic pursuits in the historic setting of Fredericksburg.
“I can’t wait to participate in the unique historic preservation program available at Mary Washington, and I am also hoping to study classical archeology and museum studies,” Sedor said. “I’m also very excited at the opportunity offered by the Alvey Scholarship to study abroad. My decision to study at Mary Washington was cemented by speaking with several professors during my campus visit and being able to experience the approachability, enthusiasm and excitement of the faculty. I am very grateful and honored to be a recipient of this scholarship.”
Applications to the University of Mary Washington open again on August 1, with more information about scholarships available online. High school seniors are encouraged to complete their application early and schedule a Taking Flight interview to be considered for an additional institutional scholarship that may range from $1,000 to $2,000. Students must apply for admission before the interview takes place. Interview scheduling opens July 1.
