Two students were the lucky winners of new Virginia Education Wizard Scholarships, valued at $3,000 each, and they received them from a delegation of community college officials and legislators at the 2010 legislative reception.

Greg Foley, left, with daughters Josie and Bridhit, receives a "big check" from Chancellor Glenn DuBois and Germanna legislators.

Greg Foley, from Germanna, is retired from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue service after being injured as a first responder to the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on Sept. 11. 2001. On a fixed disability income, he plans to complete his associate’s degree before transferring, with a long-term goal of earning a doctorate in psychology.

James Barchanowicz, from John Tyler, joined the Army the day of the terrorist attack, served for three years and now works in public safety with Caroline County. He is completing an associate’s degree in police science and continues to serve in the Virginia Air National Guard.

Wizard scholarship winner James Barchanowicz with JTCC President Marshall Smith, Foundation Chair Julien Patterson, and JTCC legislators

The scholarship winners were randomly selected from among the 72,000 that have signed up for an account on the Virginia Education Wizard, the online resource for planning higher education and careers. The scholarships were sponsored by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education.

The legislative reception, held at the Library of Virginia, was sponsored by the VFCCE through the generosity of its corporate supporters, which also included Verizon, Electronic Systems, Deloitte, Canon, Feridies, Oracle, Froehling & Robertson, Inc., HDH & Associates, Siddall, Moseley Architects, Gilbane, and Cole & Denny.

posted by Susan Hayden