The Casey Schulman Scholarship
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The Casey Schulman Scholarship •
Despite facing major challenges, The Casey Schulman Scholarship recipients have persevered and gone on to accomplish wonderful things. The common thread…these scholars are all very involved in their communities and improving the lives of those around them – one cannot be around these individuals without walking away with a smile and feeling better about our world!
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2014 Recipient
The Casey Schulman Foundation’s first scholarship recipient is certainly making the most of her talents. Sipho earned a BA in Biological Science from Smith College, worked abroad on a post-grad fellowship program for a year and then went on to earn a M. Ed. from Harvard University. She is currently teaching science at an International school in Stockholm, Sweden. Raised by a father from Sierra Leone, and a mother from South Africa, Sipho has been eager to travel to many parts of the world. She is currently exploring her new Swedish locale and working tirelessly teaching in-person classes during the pandemic. Sipho’s quiet way belies her determined perseverance, the sweetest soul, and beautiful giving spirit.
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2016 Recipient
Abby graduated with honors from James Madison University, a semester early! She moved to Philadelphia and began work at a pre-school, which offered her a scholarship program to acquire her M. Ed. As the pandemic unraveled, so did those plans. Abby was not deterred. She began volunteering with her fiancée and they make and deliver 3D printed face shields to hospitals around their tri-state area. As they were one of the first groups to reach out and help in the early stages of the pandemic, they were featured on ABC news! As Abby job hunts for a Higher Education Personnel position, she has started baking and selling her baked goods in Philadelphia. Being part of a close Filipino community, Abby is a ray of sunshine. She has overcome many odds and continues to improve her life and the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.
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2018 Recipient
Matt is currently a junior at Georgetown University, majoring in Government and American Musical Culture, minoring in Spanish. Matt is a guy on the move. One would never know that he has faced tough medical issues throughout his life – he just keeps going and working toward the betterment of so many around him. Matt is excited about Justice for All – and he works hard to advocate for those less fortunate and for those who don’t have equal rights. As President of Make-a-Wish Georgetown, he works to raise funds and awareness. Despite covid-19, under his presidency, the organization increased their donations by 20% for 2020! Matt is the Secretary of the Center for Social Justice Advisory Board of Student Organizations, helping with funding, media campaigns and policy for service-oriented student clubs. He was the founder and course creator of the Title IX for a New Generation Initiative - the objective of educating students on Title IX and how it relates to life at Georgetown. Matt is fun to be with and he is a leader. He cares about raising up ALL people’s lives!
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2020 Recipient
Max came to this country from Tajikistan in 2014, not speaking English, and graduated from the IB program (a very challenging curriculum) with a grade point substantially above 4.0! The main reason that the Casey Schulman Scholarship committee selected Max to be the 2020 Casey Schulman Scholar is because of his commitment to helping others. Being new to the country did not stop him from figuring out ways to help those in his community who were struggling. He has started his first year at UVA and is ecstatic that he was admitted to the hullabahoos acapella group. He makes the most of every moment - from taking college courses while in high school, to embarking on a new exciting life at UVA. Max is a warm-spirited, great guy who will no doubt continue to spread the Shine On spirit.
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2021 Recipient
Max graduated from William and Mary in 2025 with a BA in English & Theatre. Max is currently working in New York City as an actor and has already had parts in 2 off-Broadway productions! Max has held summer positions in DC theatres throughout high school and college. Max is a sweetheart! He is a smart, hard-working guy who is always ready to lend a helping hand. We will be seeing a lot of Max on stage over the years!
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2022 Recipient
Celia began college at Christopher Newport University and is now studying Nursing at UVA. Celia has been very clear that she wants to work in the medical profession for a long time. Her goal is to work to offer equal opportunity to people from all walks of life. Celia has a warm, engaging personality. She is a leader. An athlete, Celia continues to challenge herself in many walks of life.
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2023 Recipient
Sam Belmar is a junior at William& Mary studying abroad in France, as he is a French and Journalism major. Sam is so warm and interested in others. He is everybody’s friend. He is pursuing his dream of being a journalist and has already worked at a French newspaper. Sam taught himself French during Covid! He is not only brilliant, but humble. He pushes himself to try new things and is well-rounded - a leader and a role model for others. Sam couldn’t speak until he was 3 years old. He is making sure that his voice is being heard now in looking out for others.
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2024 Recipient
Michael is a sophomore at Lafayette College studying Computer Engineering. Michael has grown immensely through his first years in college. Being the first in his family to go to college and to go away, it has been a wonderfully enlightening experience. Michael has made many friends, worked very hard in school and has already experienced an externship in Philadelphia – where he was put up by other Casey Schulman Scholars! A Tae Kwon Do athlete, Michael knows the benefits of discipline and perseverance. Michael now trains service dogs. One of his major goals is to give back to his community in the future by offering free computer training. Michael might appear shy but he is checking things out, figuring out where he fits in and how he can help. He hopes to be a role model for those who come from challenging situations so that they can also dream big.
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2025 Recipient
Mahboo is new to this country but quickly mastered the English language and American customs. He is currently enrolled at Boston College in a Pre-med program. Mahboo is so hard-working, so lovable and so determined! He will be a doctor. In his words, “I just want to help people”. Mahboo will make you laugh and listen and want to get to know him better. Having recently arrived from Afghanistan, Mahboo is on the move to get to where he wants to land – with his medical degree He works very long hours at his job and in the library, takes a break at the gym and is right back to his schedule. In his first year at Boston College, not surprisingly, he reports that he has made many friends. As Mahboo says, “Because at the end of the day, true success isn't just about personal achievement; it's about how we lift others up along the way.”
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2025 Recipient
Wehbe, from Mauritania, is on the road at George Mason University to become a biomedical engineer. Wehbe has learned that tomorrow is never promised, and that the time she has now should be used wisely. She has adjusted beautifully to the US while also maintaining very close ties to her homeland. Wehbe is very driven and intellectually curious. She applies her learning to create meaningful change. “Moving forward means bringing others with you. Success isn’t just personal—it’s about making sure no one is left behind. Because when one of us succeeds, we all do.” As a result of that way of thinking, she founded Digital Dreamers, a project to educate students in Mauritania and in the US in STEM. She sees the project as not only a way to teach them the skills but to teach them to dream.
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2015 Recipient
Hillary is on the go— Summa cum laude graduate of William & Mary, BBA in Marketing, Minor in Theatre! She is currently employed as a CX Strategist at a marketing agency and working toward a Google Analytics certification. Hillary is an award-winning singer, actress, athlete and was the Head Scenic Carpenter for the William & Mary theatre productions – Amazing! As her family is from New Zealand, she has travelled internationally on her own and has been very active in volunteering on service trips for the last 7 years. When the pandemic ends, plan to see Hillary singing and dancing in our theatres, and back to work at the local soup kitchen!
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2017 Recipient
Anelva will graduate from George Mason University in May, 2021 with a BA in Global Affairs and minors in Spanish and Immigration Studies. Throughout her high school and college careers, Anelva has logged many hours at part-time jobs off-campus. On campus, she has been very busy working as a GMU Peer Advisor and co-teaching a college course to help first semester students with their college transition. She has interned at NAFSA and at Legal Aid Justice Center. This internship strengthened Anelva’s conviction to continue working with and helping the immigration community. A petite Guatemalan woman, Anelva is a bundle of energy. Throughout all triumphs and challenges, one is always greeted by her warmth and big smile. She is very excited to graduate and be the first person in her family with a college degree!
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2019 Recipient
Monica is currently on the Dean’s List and working toward an Economics and Sociology Major at UVA. Monica pushes herself to try new things and it is so fun to watch. She has a sweet, shy side to her incredibly bright mind. She is a busy young lady. As part of a very close Vietnamese family, Monica worked on her parents’ food truck in downtown DC throughout high school; long days every weekend and 7 days/week every summer. Somehow, she still finds time to volunteer with Adopt-a-Grandparent, Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA), Recreational Therapy and Girls on the Run. Only a sophomore at UVA, Monica is already involved in sports and leadership – holding positions on her sorority and UVA’s Hoos Connected boards. As Monica is on a pre-health track, her plan is to provide meaningful contributions to underserved communities.
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2021 Recipient
Vianca graduated from Juniata College with a BS in Psychology in 2025 and is currently a Ph.D. student at VCU in Developmental Psychology. Vianca continues with her volunteer work and was acknowledged at Juniata with the Outstanding Junior Student of the Year Award for herco-curricular involvement, leadership, and service to the Juniata College Community. Vianca has grown immensely throughout her college experience and blossomed in a beautiful way. She has been proactive to discover new ways to improve her life and the lives of those around her. She has studied abroad and is proud to be the first member of her family to receive a college degree.
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2022 Recipient
Aseel began her college career at American University and transferred to UVA as a Junior, majoring in International Affairs. Aseel is full of heart. She is determined to make changes for the better in the world; persevering to make the world a more equitable place. She advocates for the rights of women, immigrants, minorities, and anyone else who needs support. Aseel’s sweet spirit, combined with her perseverance to seek justice is quite a force.
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2023 Recipient
Helen is a junior at Juniata University. Helen is a strong, resilient, very hard-working and independent young woman who always has a warm greeting for everyone. Anyone who spends time with her is uplifted. She is a bright star, a colorful flower, a burst of enthusiasm that wants to bring good to the world.
Helen is aware of the kindnesses that others have extended to her and she continually finds ways to reach out and help others.
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2024 Recipient
Leith is a sophomore at VA Tech studying Business. Leith started working at a young age and continues to work hard in school and when he is home on breaks at a restaurant where he has worked for years. He loves cooking for everyone, spending time with his family and friends and is always sure to be involved in a community outreach program or soup kitchen, wherever he is living. He is very open to trying new things, meeting new people, and striving to be better. Leith’s gentle spirit and calm demeanor always makes one feel good and welcomed.
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2024 Recipient
Mia is in her second year at James Madison University, majoring in French. One can’t be around Mia’s joyous ways and not end up smiling. Her happiness is infectious. Mia is always a busy young woman – she started working at a young age and continues while going to college. Mia is very family-oriented, has close friends and is very involved in helping others in the community through volunteer programs. Through her athletic endeavors, she not only competes, she also coaches others to do their best. Mia is a delight!
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2025 Recipient
Laura is a freshman at UVA, majoring in Foreign Affairs. Laura is so talented as a pianist, a singer, an actor and what’s more, she is such a lovely, kind, caring person. Laura is always challenging herself - from difficult classes to tennis to performing in front of major audiences. She wants to live life to the fullest. She DOES NOT take life for granted. She doesn’t forget about those in need. She never ceases to impress. Laura is truly kind-hearted and loves bringing others up along with her.
Support the Scholars
These Casey Schulman Scholars make us laugh and reflect and realize how lucky the world is to have them looking out for all of us.