MMHMF Scholarship Recipient

GAVIN PRIDE
THE 2023 MMHMF Virginia State University (VSU) Endowed Scholarship

Virginia State University (VSU)

Psychology

This scholarship was established in2011 in memory of Martha Mason Hill who worked in housekeeping at the University (then college) for 40 years. She was honored there for ensuring that her seven daughters and the two grandchildren she raised attended the then college. In keeping with the legacy and sprit of our namesake, Gavin was recommended for this scholarship by the Mataoca High School Counseling Department:

The recommendation reads: “It is an honor to write a recommendation letter for Gavin Pride. I have been Gavin’s school counselor for three years and have enjoyed working with him during that time. Gavin currently has a 4.37 GPA and is ranked #40 in his class of 342 students.

Gavin enjoys challenging himself academically. He has successfully taken a variety of advanced placement and dual enrollment classes while in high school. He has also been involved in a range of extracurricular activities, showing that he is highly organized and able to balance his school and home life. Some of the extracurricular activities that Gavin has been involved in include National Honor Society, varsity lacrosse, after-school math tutoring services, and part-time work since the fall of 2021. Additionally, Gavin volunteers his time aiding in lawn care services at a local farm and for the elderly.

Gavin is not only an excellent student, but also a personable and caring person. His family faced a significant loss this year and Gavin’s resiliency is evident in his continued work ethic and drive to be successful in school. Gavin puts 100% effort into everything he does. He does not shy away from a challenge and has shown his leadership abilities through his role as our varsity lacrosse captain this year. Many students look up to him and he is viewed as a role-model for other students by our faculty and staff. Gavin would like to major in Psychology in order to be a mental health professional. I believe Gavin will be able to help many individuals that need mental health support.

Gavin is a well-rounded and motivated student. I believe Gavin has a bright future ahead to look forward to and will be able to help many individuals that are in need of mental health support. Gavin will thrive in any college or university setting. He deserves any scholarship that will help him meet his academic and career goals.