The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Foundation recently awarded 17 graduating high school seniors with scholarships of $1,000 each to support their continued education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concentrations. The IALR Foundation’s scholarship program is an important stimulant for developing talent in STEM career fields.
The IALR Foundation offers graduating high school students interested in STEM and located throughout the IALR service region the opportunity to earn scholarships every year.
“We’re proud to support students who are choosing to pursue high-demand STEM fields that are critical to our region’s future. These scholarships are one way we invest in local talent and help remove barriers to postsecondary education.” — Emma Sellers, Senior Director, Institutional Advancement, IALR
Many of this year’s recipients expressed a strong desire to use their STEM education to serve their communities in Southern Virginia, whether through healthcare, engineering, business or technology.
For Myssia Tenai Hairston-France of Magna Vista High School, that commitment is personal.
“STEM is not just a career path for me — it is a way to create stability, give back to my community, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most.”
Addison Duplantier of Halifax County High School also emphasized the broader impact of STEM careers, noting, “By pursuing biology, I hope to contribute to the advancement of healthcare.”
That theme of giving back to Southern Virginia was echoed by other scholarship recipients, including LaPriannah Keen of George Washington High School, who plans to pursue a career in nursing.
“By working as a nurse in this region, I would have the opportunity to provide care to individuals who may need compassionate and reliable medical support,” she wrote.
STEM Scholarship Recipients
Each of the students below received a $1,000 scholarship.
Doris Stallard graduated from Gretna High School and will attend Liberty University.
Gavin Maxey graduated from Dan River High School and will attend Virginia Tech.
Hiya Bhatia graduated from Chatham High School and will attend the University of Virginia.
Victoria Spong graduated from Chatham High School and will attend Virginia Tech.
Mason Clark graduated from Tunstall High School and will attend Virginia Tech.
Samuel Payne graduated from Tunstall High School and will attend the University of Virginia.
Makenzie Miller graduated from Tunstall High School and will attend the University of South Carolina.
Reese Jenkins graduated from Tunstall High School and will attend Virginia Tech.
Caroline Clay graduated from Tunstall High School and will attend the University of Virginia.
Hayleigh Dooley graduated from Franklin County High School and will attend East Carolina State University.
Kobe Marquise Morrison graduated from George Washington High School and will attend Emory & Henry University.
Victor Grayson Ingram graduated from George Washington High School and will attend the University of Virginia.
Braelynn Adams graduated from George Washington High School and will attend the University of Virginia.
LaPriannah Keen graduated from George Washington High School and will attend Virginia Commonwealth University.
Myssia Tenai Hairston-France graduated from Magna Vista High School and will attend Radford University.
Addison Duplantier graduated from Halifax County High School and will attend James Madison University.
Zachary Duplantier graduated from Halifax County High School and will attend Virginia Tech.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Foundation advances IALR’s mission to serve as a regional catalyst for economic transformation by securing and stewarding philanthropic resources. Through strategic partnerships and donor engagement, the Foundation invests in the key divisions that support and expand IALR’s mission: applied research, advanced learning, economic development, manufacturing advancement and conference services.
