RICHMOND, Va. – Today, the Virginia National Guard Association announced that it has awarded $5,000 in scholarships to five outstanding students who are members or are family members of the association and are pursuing their studies at institutions of higher education. These scholarships support one of the association’s most important goals: improving the quality and number of benefits.

The outstanding awardees are:

• The Chief Warrant Officer 4 William C. Singletary Memorial Scholarship:  A $1,250 scholarship is awarded to Mr. Zachary Goodrich, a student at North Carolina State University and son of Col. (Ret.) Garland “Henry” Goodrich.
• The Colonel Joseph E. Galloway Memorial Scholarship: A $1,250 scholarship is awarded to Ms. Haley Williams, a student at the University of Tennessee and daughter of Maj. Brett Trinkle.
• A $1,000 scholarship is awarded to Ms. Lilly McGonegal, a student at the College of Charleston and daughter of Lt. Col. Steele McGonegal and Col. Tanya McGonegal.
• A $750 scholarship is awarded to Ms. Nia Lloyd, a student attending Bridgewater College and daughter of Maj. Sheryl Lloyd.
• A $750 scholarship is awarded to Ms. Summer Allen, a student attending the University of Mary Washington and daughter of Capt. Antoinette Allen.

“Congratulations to all recipients, and thanks to the scholarship committee members and the association members for their support of this process,” said Lt. Col. Tony Schlagel, VNGA Scholarship Committee chair.  

The association’s scholarship program provides financial assistance directly to member officers, warrant officers and their dependent children and spouses.

“We would like to congratulate this year’s well-deserved scholarship winners,” said Maj. Andrew J. Czaplicki, VNGA president. “In the military, serving others is our job, whether it is overseas or here in our communities, and these scholarships were created to support those who demonstrate the same commitment. Together, these leaders of the future will undoubtedly make a big impact on the communities they touch and uplift our society as a whole.”

Scholarships are awarded on a yearly basis, and individuals are encouraged to apply annually. Applications must be submitted between Jul. 1 and Sept. 30th of each year.

“Lt. Col. Schlagel and the scholarship committee did a phenomenal job this year,” Czaplicki said. “Recognizing the scholarly achievements of our members and their families is an important job and our team do it so well– I can’t thank our committee members enough for their hard work.”

The VNGA typically awards at least $5,000 in scholarships and education grants annually to members of the association and their dependents.

Questions about scholarships or to become a named sponsor of next years’ scholarships, please contact executive.director@vnga.us. For more information about the Virginia National Guard Association, visit vnga.us or call (804) 223-1332