Centreville — With a speech about the importance of history and knowledge of government, U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) presented the first annual National Heritage Scholarship at Oakton High School in May to kick-off the school’s annual award night
The Scholarship awards $5,000 each to seniors at three Northern Virginia schools. Started by Chantilly resident Rick Dansey and his son Jake. The educational initiative is designed to reward excellence in U.S. history and government. Recipients were Josh Oswalt (Chantilly awardee), Hayley Anderson (Westfield awardee) and Garrett Allen (Oakton awardee).
The inspiration for the non-profit organization comes from George Washington, who said in his eighth annual address to Congress: “A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?”
The Dansey Foundation acted upon this mandate and launched a charity that sponsors the scholarship. The foundation’s mission is to educate and encourage the next generation to understand both the operation of government and the history of that government in order to keep the republic vibrant.
The award winners from each high school exhibited outstanding passion and intellect in not only coursework, but in outside activities. Examples from Josh’s, Hayley’s and Garrett’s resumes include being an intern for a Virginia state senator, supporting a campaign for a Virginia state delegate, being a Boy’s State attendee, and serving as Secretary-General of a Model United Nation’s team, along with multiple history and leadership awards. More information on these students can be found at www.t2fund.org.
The scholarship will continue each year at Chantilly, Oakton, and Westfield High Schools with the intent of eventually expanding its impact throughout the area.
Contact Dansey at rick@t2fund.org, if interested in getting one’s high school involved the program.