Islam Kalouda spent a good amount of time on the sidelines during his athletic career at South Lakes High School. However, he decided to use the experience in positive light.
"I want to help other people in the same situation," said Kalouda. The South Lakes senior pulled his hip flexer during the track season his junior year and broke his collar bone during last fall’s football season. He is bound for Virginia Commonwealth University where he plans to study physical therapy.
His interest in pursuing an education in physical therapy helped him win a $1,000 scholarship from Reston Hospital Center. He was one of 16 local area students awarded. Schoolmate Mikaela Egan was the other South Lakes student awarded. She will also attend VCU, hoping to complete the nursing program at the Richmond school.
Kalouda, who emigrated from Egypt when he was five years old, said the scholarship means a lot to him as it will help him pay for college.
"I am pleased you are looking forward to an education in healthcare," said Bill Adams, president and CEO of Reston Hospital Center. He told the scholarship recipients at the June 7 ceremony that there would be a job waiting for them anywhere in the country, and probably anywhere in the world, when they complete their studies.
The hospital’s president of medical staff, Daniel Turgeon, said the students should consider living in Reston after college, because it is a great place to live and a great place to work and raise a family. "I hope you consider returning here when you start your career," said Turgeon.
Of the 16 scholarship winners, three were recognized with the volunteer service scholarship. "Our objective is to foster volunteering as a service of caring," said Susan Dailey, director of volunteer services for the Reston Hospital Center. She said the three students awarded the scholarship volunteered 1,100 hours to the hospital.