East Greenwich, R.I. (May 6, 2021) – Corvias Foundation, a private foundation founded by Corvias CEO John Picerne to support education opportunities for military families, today announced it awarded college scholarships worth up to $50,000 each to seven high school seniors. Each of the scholarship recipients are the children of active-duty service members stationed at Corvias-managed installations. These recipients make up the 16th class of Corvias Foundation scholars, and each will be attending a four-year college or university of their choice.
“Our top priority at Corvias Foundation is to provide military dependents with the resources to help them achieve their academic aspirations and flourish in their future professional endeavors,” said Maria Montalvo, executive director of Corvias Foundation. “This past year has been especially tumultuous, as state and institution budgets, as well as family finances have been severely affected by the pandemic, and students are now, more than ever, in need of support. We are grateful we can continue to provide our scholars with this aid.”
The scholarships provide the recipients with dependable and recurring financial assistance for each of their four academic years. Students receive a portion of their total scholarship amount per year to pursue their higher education degrees at institutions across the country.
“The generous scholarship offered by Corvias Foundation is a promise that they wil support me throughout my next four years,” said Aberdeen Proving Ground Recipient, Christine Kim. “The monetary reward will undoubtedly help me pursue my dreams without the financial pressure. However, this scholarship means so much more to me than just financial aid. Corvias Foundation has welcomed me into their nest and introduced me to a whole new network of experts in every field. With this, they have assured me that they will have my back at all times, helping me through any challenges that I may face as I start a brand-new journey.”
Corvias Foundation scholars also receive beyond-the-dollar support including, conference and internship opportunities, mentoring, and a dedicated network of other scholars and alumni. All of these offerings revolve around the same goal: to inspire college-bound students from military families to reach higher.
“Corvias Foundation scholars are inspirational in how they overcome the challenges a military lifestyle presents, while still working hard to achieve their goals and academic dreams,” said Picerne. “It is always a joy to welcome a new group of scholars into the Corvias Foundation family, and I look forward to seeing what they do throughout their higher education journeys.”
Since 2006, Corvias Foundation has awarded nearly $15 million to military children, spouses, and children of Corvias employees across 13 Army and Air Force installations. The group of students selected for this year’s scholarship will be studying a wide variety of topics such as biology, computer science, and accounting, to name a few, at a number of different institutions located across the country.
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
Christine Kim of Patterson Mill High School is a distinguished member of various organizations including the National Honor Society, Best Buddies and Student Government. She also spends time tutoring other students. Christine plans to attend Johns Hopkins University to study neuroscience under the pre-med track, as her goal is to become a pediatric psychiatrist.
Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Christian Flerlage of Pine Forest High School has volunteered at his local church for many years. He is also an avid soccer player and skilled musician who enjoys making an impact on his local community. Christian plans to major in biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with the goal of attending school to become a physician assistant and help other people.
Calyce Cosby of EE Smith High is the president of the school’s National Honor Society and is an active member of the Student Government Association. She is passionate about activism and learning new things. Calyce plans to attend the University of Georgia to become a power system engineer and work in the utility sector.
Fort Polk, Louisiana
Brianna Soto of Cross Creek Early College High School is actively involved in her community. She volunteers as a math and science tutor and is a member of several clubs including Science Olympiad, student government, Interact Club and Beta Club. She plans to attend North Carolina State University to study computer science, as her goal is to become a data scientist.
Fort Riley, Kansas
Taniyah Symonette of Fort Riley, Kansas volunteers in her community through several organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of America, the Keystone Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and is active in volleyball and track and field. Taniyah plans to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University to pursue a degree in nursing to accomplish her dream of becoming a neonatal nurse.
Fort Rucker, Alabama
Alexis Brunney of Enterprise High School frequently volunteers at her school and in her community and is an active participant in her school's band and track programs. Alexis plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder this fall to study environmental science so that she can be an activist and voice for the natural world.
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina
Kiera Negron of Wayne Early/Middle College High School regularly volunteers in her community. She is a tutor and is an active member of Key Club and the Student Council Association. Kiera has also been awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for the last three years. She plans on attending North Carolina State University to study accounting, with a dream of becoming an actuary.
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About Corvias Foundation
Corvias Foundation is committed to inspiring students, college and university campuses, and military families to reach higher. Founded in 2006 as “Our Family for Families First Foundation,” our work increases access to educational, internship, mentoring, and volunteer opportunities so that those we touch are empowered to pursue their dreams and to make a greater impact in service to their communities and their nation. We strive to create ever-increasing opportunities by providing the resources and networks needed to help our scholars and partners surpass their goals. We achieve this through a commitment to education, community engagement and high-impact charitable giving. To learn more, please visit: corviasfoundation.org.