SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
The more scholarship money you earn, the less you will have to pay out of pocket or borrow with student loans. There are two main sources for merit (academic) scholarships:
College-based scholarships - Awarded by colleges for use at that college only. For some scholarships, students are automatically considered by submitting a complete application for admission to the college or university. For other scholarships, students need to submit a separate merit scholarship application, different from the application for admission.
Private local or national scholarships - Awarded by private organizations, foundations, individuals, etc. Local scholarship opportunities administered by the Falls Church Education Foundation for Meridian students can be found below and are also listed in Naviance and Schoology.
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
Scholarships stewarded by the Falls Church Education Foundation

The Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF) stewards a number of scholarships for Meridian High School students. Applications for the scholarships typically are available in February with due dates in March and April. Applications for these scholarships are posted in Naviance, Schoology and in the Morning Announcements. Scholarships stewarded by the Falls Church Education Foundation are solely intended for use by current and/or continuing FCCPS students. Scholarship awards are made at the sole discretion of the donors and/or Meridian High School staff, not by FCEF.
Scholarships that require applications
Name of Scholarship | Description |
---|---|
EESTEAM Scholarship | $1,000 awarded to one junior who demonstrates creativity, leadership or entrepreneurial achievements in advancing an organizational, public, academic, community service or personal cause |
The Torey Fay Scholarship | $1,000 awarded to one senior who demonstrates a passion for mathematics and has aspirations to pursue further studies in mathematics |
Felgar-da Silva Immigrant Community Citizen Award | $2,500 awarded to one senior who is the child of immigrant parents or an immigrant themselves, and who exemplifies the character traits of resilience, hard work, adaptation and community involvement |
Hoover Prize for Writing | $500 awarded to one senior who has distinguished himself or herself through written commentary that inspires thought and discussion among readers |
Lian-Manwaring First Generation Scholarship | $1,500 awarded to one senior who will be a first-generation attendee of a post-secondary accredited school, and who exemplifies the character traits of resilience, hard work, adaptation, and community involvement |
Dr. Peter Noonan IB for All Prize | $2,000 awarded to one senior who demonstrates the profound impact the IB program has had on their personal and educational journey |
Maria Elena Nudell Award | $1,000 awarded to one senior whose interests extended beyond academics to include family, athletics, community involvement and school spirit |
Mary and Warren Pace Future Educators Scholarship | $1,000 awarded to one senior who intends to major in education to become a licensed teacher |
Robert and Nancy Perry Scholarship | $1,000 awarded to one senior who will attend a community college |
Senior Scholarship for Choral Excellence (FC Choral Boosters) | $1,000 awarded to one senior for outstanding contributions to vocal performance in FCCPS |
Jessica Blair Szymanski Memorial Scholarship | $1,500 (renewable for 3 additional years) awarded to one senior based on personal statements that are viewed by the Szymanski family |
Jessie Thackrey Memorial Scholarship | $1,000 awarded to one junior or senior interested in pursuing a non-traditional career |
Cay Wiant Creative Award | $1,000 awarded to one student in grades 9-12 who is interested in attending a creative summer program |
Woman's Club of Falls Church Scholarship | $2,000 awarded to two seniors who are all-around students who have contributed to community service |
Charles and Elizabeth Downs Scholarship | $5,000 awarded to one senior who will attend any community college in Virginia |
J. Roger and Patricia A. Wollenberg Memorial Scholarship | One full year's tuition and fees to a Virginia state college or university. Awarded to a senior who is a well-rounded individual with community service, academics, and school involvement. The scholarship may be renewed in subsequent years up to 3 years for a total of 4 undergraduate years if a minimum 3.0 GPA is maintained. The Wollenberg Family, sons and oldest daughter of J. Roger and Patricia Wollenberg, form the selection committee and determine the recipient of this award. |
Scholarships where students are nominated by Meridian High School staff members (no application)
Name of Scholarship | Description |
Tyrone Q. Byrd Scholarship for Mind, Body, and Character | $1,000 awarded to two seniors (one male, one female) who embody the attributes of beloved Principal Tyrone Byrd |
Patricia Doyle Memorial Scholarship | $1,000 awarded to one senior with diverse abilities who represents the strength and vitality honored in those with unique learning needs |
Anna Hennessey Scholarship for Service Learning | $1,000 awarded to one senior who exemplifies the character traits of a student dedicated to service learning |
Bob Morrison Photography and Visual Arts Award | $1,000 awarded to one senior who excels in visual arts |
Grace Rissetto Scholarship | $1,000 awarded to one senior ESOL student |
Robert W. Snee Scholarship | $1,000 awarded to one senior who makes a difference at Meridian High School |
Nancy and Beth Sprague Spirit of Meridian Award | $1,000 awarded to two seniors who exemplify the spirit of Meridian High School |
The Franklin and Kent Thackrey Memorial Scholarship | $1,000 awarded to one senior who is interested in the study of communications/journalism |
Matthew Valley Visual Arts Scholarship | $2,000 awarded to one senior who exemplifies the character traits of a student dedicated to proficiency and creativity in the visual arts |

Scholarships stewarded by Meridian Booster Clubs
Falls Church City Band Boosters Scholarships | Scholarships between $300 and $1,500 each will be awarded to seniors who will be attending a four-year college or university to pursue music in some capacity |
Senior Scholarship for Choral Excellence | $1,000 awarded by the Falls Church Choral Boosters to one senior for outstanding contributions to vocal performance in FCCPS |
Mustang Athletic Boosters Association Scholarships | $16,000 in scholarships awarded to nine graduating seniors and three alumni who demonstrate excellence in character, sportsmanship and academics |
NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES
National scholarship databases are useful tools to search for scholarships. You should not pay for a scholarship search. Several sites are listed below:
This information is provided for your convenience. Postings do not indicate endorsement or sponsorship by Meridian High School, FCCPS, nor any administrator or employee of either Meridian High School or FCCPS.