Ryan Schimenti

Hearing the news that I have been awarded the Wings Over America Scholarship and the VAW/VRC Merit Scholarship for 2025-2026 is truly amazing. Over the past four years, I have worked diligently to push myself academically, to serve my community in various ways and to nurture my love of music and theatrical performance. It is a blessing to be recognized for my efforts. These scholarship awards will help offset my tuition costs and help me start my college education on the right foot. Beginning this fall, I will attend Virginia Tech and pursue a double major in Music and Psychology. I am excited to explore music and performance in detail while continuing to play the piano and sing in an a cappella group. Additionally, it’s important to me to pursue a future that combines my appreciation for music along with a social sciences emphasis where I can help those struggling with mental illness. I am humbled and honored to receive this scholarship – thank you.