Each year, the Diplomatic Security Foundation (DSF) awards a scholarship to one or more high school seniors planning on attending any institute of "higher" learning (at the university, community college or vocational level). This year’s award is for students entering their freshman year during the 2021/2022 school year.
Applications are judged on a combination of academic performance, letters of recommendation, activities and achievements, and an essay. Blind copies of the scholarship applications (all identifying information is hidden/removed) were reviewed by the DSF Scholarship Committee (this year consisting of three retired DS agents and one active agent). All of the applicants had impressive credentials and are to be commended for their achievements.
It’s always a difficult job to pare down the applicant pool, and this year was especially difficult, but ultimately, thirteen students were selected to receive this year’s awards! The following students will each receive a DSF scholarship:
$4,000 AWARD:
Jenna Kim
Daughter of Nathan Kim, Special Agent
Jenna will be attending Yale University, with plans to pursue a degree in Public Health and Biochemistry, pre-med
$2,500 AWARDS:
Jonathan Dynda
Son of Lyle Dynda, Section Chief/GTM Countermeasures & Integrations DS/ST/SSI/PTB
Jonathan will be attending SUNY Maritime College, with plans to pursue a degree in Naval Architecture with BS Engineering
Bella Pham
Daughter of Tai Pham, Special Agent
Bella will be attending Virginia Tech, with plans to pursue a degree in Business
Alexander Reistad
Son of Craig Reistad, Special Agent
Alexander will be attending Texas A&M, with plans to pursue a degree in Industrial Distribution
Georgia Sherman
Daughter of Greg Sherman, Special Agent
Georgia will be attending Clemson University, with plans to pursue a degree in Business
$2,000 AWARDS
Alec Kollmar
Son of Chris Kollmar, Senior Resource Manager
Alec will be attending Virginia Tech, with plans to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering
Elayna Milligan
Daughter of Shawn Milligan, Current Branch Chief for DS/ST/SSI/PTB
Elayna will be attending University of Mary Washington, with plans to pursue a degree in Psychology
Anna Whelan
Daughter of Patrick Whelan, Senior Desk Officer, DS/IP/EUR
Anna will be attending George Mason University, with plans to pursue a degree in Global Affairs
$1,000 AWARDS
Isabella Baca
Daughter of Eric Baca & Joy Baca, Security Technical Specialist and Security Engineering Officer
Isabella will be attending New Mexico State University, with plans to pursue a degree in Social Work
Izabella Bright
Daughter of David J Bright, Special Agent
Izabella will be attending University of Maryland, with plans to pursue a degree in International Relations
Jimmy Doherty
Son of James P. Doherty, Special Agent
Jimmy will be attending Florida State University, with plans to pursue a degree in Business/Finance
Taylor Gordon
Daughter of Duane Gordon, Special Agent
Taylor will be attending Northern Virginia Community College, with plans to pursue a degree in Veterinary Technology
Eamon Lalley
Son of Thomas Lalley, Chief, Analysis Division, DS/CI (retired)
Eamon will be attending James Madison University, with plans to pursue a degree in History/International Affairs
CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners!
DSF scholarships are available to students related to a Diplomatic Security employee who is either an active, retired, former or deceased employee, or a DS contractor, AND the employee/contractor must have/had three or more years of consecutive service with DS. The student may be a child, step-child, grandchild, step-grandchild or a ward of the DS employee/contractor. Aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, brother, sister relations are NOT eligible. Please see the DSF website for specific eligibility criteria.
Applications for the 16th Annual DSF Scholarship Award will be available on the DSF website and announced on the DSF Facebook page in January 2022.
www.dsfoundation.org/grants-scholarships
Questions? Please contact DSF Executive Director Sarah Rothleder at info@dsfoundation.org, or 703-439-4404.
