Meet Our Scholarship Winners
A glimpse into the journey of our scholarship recipients, showcasing their stories and achievements.
Meet the 2026 Diane E. Ames Scholarship Recipient Sophia Ann Morrell
The Diane E. Ames Scholarship Fund is honored to announce Sophia Ann Morrell as the 2026 scholarship recipient.
Sophia is a senior at Nandua High School and will attend Liberty University to pursue a degree in Early Education. With a heart for helping others and a passion for teaching, Sophia hopes to create a classroom where every student feels encouraged, supported, and valued.
When Sophia learned about the Diane E. Ames Scholarship, she felt a meaningful connection to Diane’s lifelong dedication to education and students. Receiving this scholarship is especially important to Sophia because it supports her dream of becoming an educator and making a positive difference in the lives of future students.
“I am truly grateful to receive this scholarship, as it represents a passion that is deeply important to me. I encourage anyone who feels inspired by educators like Ms. Ames to apply. Opportunities like this can truly make a lasting difference.”
The Diane E. Ames Scholarship Fund proudly congratulates Sophia Ann Morrell and wishes her continued success as she begins her journey toward a career in education. Through students like Sophia, Diane’s legacy of dedication, kindness, and service to education continues to live on.
Meet the 2025 Diane Ames Scholarship Recipient Jah’Maya Burton
Hello, my name is Jah’Maya Burton, and I am a Biology major with a Pre-Professional concentration at Norfolk State University. I am deeply committed to academic excellence and aspire to make a meaningful impact within my community. As a freshman, I am actively exploring opportunities to engage in campus organizations that foster leadership development, personal growth, and student involvement.
Receiving the Diane E. Ames Scholarship has strengthened my commitment to academic excellence and community service. I am sincerely grateful for this support, which empowers me to continue pursuing my long-term educational and professional goals.