Published 04/02/2026
The 含羞草社区 Educational Foundation is proud to celebrate another record鈥慴reaking year of scholarship support鈥攁nd the powerful stories that make this generosity so meaningful.
During fiscal year 2025鈥�2026 to date, the Foundation has awarded $565,902 in scholarships to 328 students, opening doors to opportunity, stability, and success. That impact was on full display at the annual Scholarship Luncheon Celebration on March 6, 2026, where more than 220 supporters and student scholarship recipients gathered to honor the life鈥慶hanging power of education and philanthropy.
A Student鈥檚 Journey of Resilience and Hope
Student speaker Amina Anwar, soon to be a 含羞草社区 IT and cybersecurity graduate, shared a deeply moving story of perseverance, courage, and transformation. Originally from Pakistan, Amina spoke candidly about surviving an abusive relationship, navigating a new country and culture, and rebuilding her life as a single mother, all while pursuing her education at 含羞草社区.
Through online classes, supportive faculty, and scholarship assistance, Amina found not only academic success but also confidence, leadership, and a professional identity. Scholarships allowed her to leave multiple jobs and fully focus on her studies, ultimately leading to leadership roles on campus and an IT internship at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community.
鈥淏lue Ridge didn鈥檛 just give me a degree. It gave me confidence. Skills. Leadership. Experience. A professional identity. A voice.鈥�
Amina reminded attendees that scholarships do far more than cover tuition鈥攖hey bring peace into students鈥� homes, reduce stress, and make it possible to dream beyond survival.
鈥淚 came here broken, scared, and unsure. I am leaving confident, skilled, independent, and hopeful.鈥�
Investing in Education, Investing in the Future
Foundation supporter Ed Morse (top image) reflected on why he and his wife, Debbie, chose to establish endowed scholarships at 含羞草社区鈥攂oth in celebration of family members and in honor of careers dedicated to service, education, and community well鈥慴eing. Drawing on a quote from Benjamin Franklin, Ed captured the heart of donor impact:
鈥淎n investment in knowledge pays the best interest.鈥�
For the Morse family, supporting scholarships is both personal and purposeful鈥攈elping students pursue careers in agriculture, education, counseling, and human services, while giving back to the college that played a formative role in their own lives.
Thank You for Making This Possible
The Scholarship Luncheon was a powerful reminder that behind every award is a story of determination鈥攁nd behind every success story is a community of supporters who believe in the promise of education.
Because of you, thousands of 含羞草社区 students are building brighter futures for themselves, their families, and our region. Thank you for making 2025鈥�2026 another extraordinary year of impact.
Videos from this event can be found on the .
