Colonial Beach Community Foundation Expands Scholarship Program, Awards $7,000 to Local Students

May 21, 2026

Colonial Beach Community Foundation Expands Scholarship Program, Awards $7,000 to Local Students

COLONIAL BEACH, VA — The Colonial Beach Community Foundation (CBCF) is proud to announce the expansion of its scholarship program and the awarding of $7,000 in scholarships to local students pursuing higher education and career training opportunities.

This year, CBCF expanded eligibility for its scholarship program to include any graduating senior living in the 22443 zip code. Seven $1,000 scholarships were awarded to local students pursuing higher education and career training opportunities. Recipients include Kearstin Ferguson of Westmoreland High School, along with Colonial Beach High School graduates Olivia Cooke, Noah Foster, Micah Gray, Carlyn Middleton, Zachary Papanicolas, and Jack Verhalen.

“Our scholarship committee was blown away by the pool of applicants we received this year,” said Michele Inderrieden, president of the Colonial Beach Community Foundation. “These students are ready to go out into the world and make a difference, and we are honored to support them as they pursue their goals.”

This year, CBCF awarded $6,000 to Colonial Beach High School students — three times more than in previous years — thanks to the generosity of community donors and proceeds from the Foundation’s Together We Thrive raffle fundraiser in 2025.

The Foundation also expressed appreciation to Colonial Beach High School staff for supporting the scholarship program and student recognition efforts. Special thanks were extended to Mrs. Campbell for organizing the scholarship banquet. During the event, Foundation members also learned that a plaque recognizing all community scholarship sponsors will be permanently displayed at the high school.

The CBCF scholarship program is open to graduating seniors, adult learners, students attending private schools, and homeschooled students living in the 22443 zip code. Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and complete at least 30 hours of community service.

Eligible students may pursue education through a community college, four-year university, trade or technical school, or another accredited training program.

“We hope to continue growing this program so more local students and adult learners can access educational opportunities,” Inderrieden said. “Community support makes these scholarships possible and directly impacts the future of our region.”

For more information about the Colonial Beach Community Foundation scholarship program or to support future scholarships, visit Colonial Beach Community Foundation.

The Colonial Beach Community Foundation is an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in and around Colonial Beach through philanthropy, partnerships, and community-driven initiatives.