Virginia Tech Honors College welcomes its largest ever incoming Stamps Scholars cohort for Fall 2022


The Class of 2026 incoming Stamps Scholars include 10 bright students selected for their strong leadership potential, academic merit, and exceptional character.

Since 2014, the Virginia Tech Honors College — in partnership with the Stamps Scholars Program — has awarded 50 talented and driven students Stamps Scholarships to help them achieve their goals.

Within Virginia Tech’s student body, Stamps Scholars have a distinguished and impressive track record of leadership. In the past, our Stamps Scholars have served as CEO for the SEED student investing team, been Ring Dance chair, won national competitions in mathematics, been nominated for national fellowships, led students to promote cultural understanding and environmental advocacy, and more.

“Stamps Scholars enrich our student body and serve as role models for their colleagues,” said Paul Knox, founding dean of the Honors College.

Roe and Penny Stamps created the Stamps Scholars program in 2006 for undergraduates at their respective alma maters, Georgia Tech and the University of Michigan. Since then, the Stamps Scholars community has grown into a nationwide network of colleges and universities with approximately 250 Stamps Scholars joining each year. 

“The Stamps Scholarship is a long-term investment in these young people,” said Christina McIntyre, the Honors College director of professional development and national and international scholarships. “The dividends are realized in the greater society over time, and in a wide variety of ways.”

The Stamps Scholars program covers all expenses for four years of undergraduate study and includes an enrichment fund that scholars can use for their academic and professional development. Other benefits include service participation, access to a growing network of scholars and alumni, and opportunities to attend biennial conventions, where scholars can network with one another and learn from recognized leaders.

“The Honors College is delighted to have our newest class of Stamps Scholars entering in the fall 2022 semester,” said Russell Shrader, the Honors College director of admissions and scholarships. “We have students from Virginia, North Carolina, and Louisiana, with a wide range of majors and interests. The diversity and varied goals of the new class will provide an enriching environment for everyone.”

Incoming scholars and their fields of study are:

  • Alyssa Bishop, Architecture
  • Aiden Buckner, Hospitality
  • River Hamme, General Engineering
  • Madilyn Herskovitz, Human Development
  • Lauren Pitonyak, General Engineering
  • Casper Rao, Biology
  • Ella Reitmeier, Psychology
  • Christina San-Marina, Political Science
  • Olivia Thacker, Architecture
  • Yanna Willett, General Engineering

Meet our 2022 Stamps Scholars


What encouraged you to attend Virginia Tech?

Virginia Tech is one of the best schools in the country for my major and Virginia is one of my favorite places to visit.

What are you planning on studying?

I plan to study architecture and interior design. I've been passionate about the design of buildings and structures since I was 10 years old. Architecture combines all my favorite elements of arts and science. During my senior year, I interned at a local architecture firm and learned more about the practice of architecture in a real world setting. I plan to design structures that can help the less fortunate, which might include animal shelters, homeless shelters, food pantries, and public housing.

What inspired you to become a Stamps Scholar?

The Stamps alumni and current Stamps Scholars inspire me and encourage me to pursue my dreams. When learning about the program, I became so excited about potential opportunities to connect with other students in and out of my field. I hope to utilize the network of Stamps Scholars for internships and study abroad programs.

Tell us about yourself.

I have been in Girl Scouts for 12 years. While volunteering at a local cat shelter, I chose the shelter to be the benefactor of my Girl Scout Gold Award project. My project provided education materials to cat owners about potentially harmful household substances to cats. I have also been a percussionist for seven years in my middle school and high school band programs. Marching band allowed me to connect with my peers and build lifelong friendships as well as taught me leadership skills I will use for the rest of my life. Outside of these various clubs and organizations, I spend most of my free time hanging out with my friends, watching movies (especially Marvel and Star Wars), baking, and putting puzzles together.


What encouraged you to attend Virginia Tech?

First, an excellent business school and hospitality program led me to VT. As I got in touch with alumni, I kept hearing about the sense of community despite its large size which was something I appreciated as most of my other choices were smaller schools. Additionally, Tech's focus on diversity and inclusion is something that resonated with me early on as I attended the virtual Black College Institute last summer!

What are you planning on studying?

I am planning on majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM). Since the first time I went on a cruise, I have been fascinated with the hospitality industry and the intricacies of what it takes to put on big events. Through my part-time job at Chick-fil-A, I have been put in the driver's seat of great service as a Team Leader and realized how fulfilling it is to have a career in the hospitality industry. Why not start off on the right foot with Virginia Tech?! I also plan to continue studying politics and religion/culture which have been academic passions of mine through high school.

What inspired you to become a Stamps Scholar?

One inspiring aspect of being a Stamps Scholar is the ability to be a part of a community of individuals who love to learn along with the opportunity to establish connections and share ideas with driven students!

Tell us about yourself. 

Home-schooled since the fourth grade, I've been a part of diverse communities of thought and expression that have contributed to the enthusiastic scholar I am today. I've been a student of a largely rhetoric-based, fast-paced, classical approach to learning with an emphasis on secondary education. The Classical Conversations curriculum has prepared me to be an excellent communicator and dynamic debater. I love to bring my passion for learning into all aspects of life. For fun, I love working as a Team Leader at one of the busiest Chick-fil-A’s in the 757 (with aspirations of owning my own), volunteering at a local non-profit community service organization called Mercy Drops Dream Center, attending youth group with my friends, and singing around the house! My passions and hobbies include photography, many different music genres, acting, and getting into radio and voice-over work. Having lived in Hawaii for a year, I also loves Hawaii-based, action-packed crime dramas. (Magnum P.I., NCIS: Hawaii, and Hawaii Five-O are my favorites of this sub-genre!) I'm excited for college life and more than ready to experience all that Virginia Tech and the Stamps program have to offer!


What encouraged you to attend Virginia Tech?

The general friendly and open atmosphere. Everyone was enthusiastic and willing to help when I visited. 

What are you planning on studying?

I plan on studying Mechanical Engineering and perhaps eventually aerospace engineering, as both have always been a topic of interest to me. I also hope to pursue a minor in history as I have always loved learning about the past

What inspired you to become a Stamps Scholar?

Stamps encourages me to continue doing what I love, international research. The potential for multi-disciplinary collaboration, international programs, and supporting aid will allow me to continue and expand on international research opportunities in the Stamps program.

Tell us about yourself.

I love to travel, spend time outdoors, play soccer, run, and occasionally play videogames. I have always had a passion for the sciences, and look forward to learning more advanced mathematics, physics, and chemistry. History has also always been a major subject of interest for me and I look forward to continuing the archaeological research I have already been apart of. However, I am most excited to meet new people and experience college life.


What encouraged you to attend Virginia Tech?

The first time I visited Virginia Tech I fell in love with the campus, the school spirit, and the professors I met that day.

What are you planning on studying?

I am planning on studying Human Development. I chose this major because I have a passion for working with children with intellectual disabilities and I want to pursue a career in this field.

What inspired you to become a Stamps Scholar?

Since a young age, I have loved to give back to those less fortunate than me. Stamps inspires me to continue to do this and helps me to further my efforts to help others.

Tell us about yourself.

I'm from Hanover, Virginia. I first visited Virginia Tech in October of 2021. It was during that visit that I knew that VT was where I wanted to be. I fell in love with the campus, the school spirit, and the professors I met that day. When I was 12-years-old, I started working with children with intellectual disabilities. I've spent over 1,500 hours volunteering within this community since then. It was through participation in many, differentiated activities that helped me decide to make a career out assisting children with special needs. This work became my passion. Children and teens with intellectual disabilities face daily hurdles, and I'd like to help them navigate these struggles in a positive, caring, productive, yet fun, way. I'm excited about the prospect of helping children with intellectual disabilities accomplish more than they could have ever imagined. I believe that I'll be able to make a positive impact on their lives as well as their families, and I'm incredibly thankful for the assistance that the Stamps Scholarship will provide as I continue working in this field.


What encouraged you to attend Virginia Tech?

I attended C-Tech^2 online at Virginia Tech the summer after my sophomore year. The first time I visited Virginia Tech in person, I noticed how friendly and welcoming the faculty and students were. The sense of community and instruction from the engineering professors at Virginia Tech immediately caught my interest. I knew this was where I wanted to spend my college years.

What are you planning on studying?

I will be majoring in engineering at Virginia Tech. I want to merge math, art, and science in my future career. I have volunteered with young children who have autism at my local elementary school. Through my experiences volunteering, I have noticed the difficulties and struggles the children encounter when using technology to communicate with others. Engineering combines my creative interests to create new technology, and I plan to develop new technology for those with physical disabilities and those who are neurodivergent. I also hope to improve existing technologies to allow them to be more accessible to all people.

What inspired you to become a Stamps Scholar?

The Stamps program allows students to grow to their fullest potential and create a difference in the world. I dream of making the world more accessible for those with physical disabilities and those who are neurodivergent by developing technology. Being a “Stamps Scholar” will open up new opportunities to meet and connect with others who strive to use their talents and academic drive to improve our world. Stamps will also allow me to study abroad so that I can study accessible technologies in other cultures and environments.

Tell us about yourself.

I have had a love for art my entire life. I have competed in national art competitions such as Scholastic and was the co-president of my high school’s National Art Honor Society my senior year. As co-president of the National Art Honor Society, I helped other students experience art while recognizing those who create art. I helped coordinate community events with middle school art students, such as creating holiday cards for my local hospital and care letters for a senior center. I empower other artists in the National Art Honor Society to participate in competitions such as the Scholastic Art Awards and the Congressional Art Competition by facilitating meetings for our members where I instructed them on registering and getting involved. As a part of my art class this year, I designed and painted a mural in the science hallway to promote art in more areas of my high school. As a sophomore, I was accepted into and participated in YEA (Young Entrepreneurs Academy). I spent six months developing a business plan for an interactive board game to help children with autism grow their social and emotional skills. I was rewarded with a $1000 investment from Loudoun County's Young Entrepreneurs Program to further this study. A fun fact about me is that I have enjoyed dance and ice skating from the age of four to 13, competing in synchronized skating competitions and performing in dance at Walt Disney World. I have also enjoyed serving as a children's swim coach and regularly working with a local recreational basketball league. Volunteering in my community is also a fulfilling part of my life. I volunteer at a local elementary school helping instruct students in a special education class. I love connecting with the children and learning about accessible technologies through their classes, as these technologies are what I hope to improve and develop in my future. For the past five years, I have also assisted in leading preschool classes on Sundays at my church. Volunteering with children has always inspired me. Seeing a child’s face light up as they learn how to comprehend a story or hold a glue stick to complete their morning work always brings a smile to my face.


What encouraged you to attend Virginia Tech?

I have always been fascinated with science and Virginia Tech was the best place to pursue my passion.

What are you planning on studying?

Biological Sciences. 

What inspired you to become a Stamps Scholar?

Being a Stamps Scholar challenges me to use my love of science to serve others. I want to expand on my early research to help improve lives. Stamps allows me to connect with others dedicated to service and to learn from them.

Tell us about yourself.

I co-founded a youth environmental action group called “Who’s Downstream Matters” that focuses on water quality projects. I love to travel and learn from other communities. Last year, I visited Kenya and learned about the reforestation efforts to improve water quality. I hope to expand the scope of my organization to other countries. I am also very interested in genetics and have begun a research project focusing on computer modeling. I have a twin brother and an older sister that attend Virginia Tech and they are both in the Honors College. I like to play tennis and hike. I also enjoy scuba-diving.


What encouraged you to attend Virginia Tech?

I chose to attend Virginia Tech because the first time I visited everyone that I met truly made the campus feel like a place I could call home. Every student and faculty member that I met was very helpful and more than willing to answer any questions that I had and show me around. They all made it feel like a place where I belonged. In addition to the community, I also decided to come to Virginia Tech because of the many exciting research opportunities in the psychology department that will allow me to connect with what I am studying on a deeper level.

What are you planning on studying?

I want to study psychology with a possible double major in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, political science or human development. The way the human brain works fascinates me on both a biological and conceptual level and because of this I have known for a long time that I want to study psychology. By doing so, I hope to contribute to new advancements in medical technology and pharmacology that will enable people with mental health conditions to have a higher quality of life. I also have a passion for decreasing the stigma associated with mental illnesses and educating people about them. Oftentimes, the media and Hollywood portray psychological disorders negatively and/or incorrectly which can be extremely damaging to the people living with those conditions. Studying psychology is also very appealing to me because a career in this field would allow me to make a positive impact on my community. Though I have known I want to study psychology for a long time, my involvement in the Mental Health Awareness Club has increased my passion for this field of study. The goal of the club is to destigmatize mental health disorders at our high school and through it I have been able to participate in a program called Teens Gotta Talk. In this program we learn more about mental health issues impacting our generation and cover topics such a stress management, self-esteem, and suicide prevention. Because I completed this program, I will have the opportunity to take a suicide prevention course at the Kellin Foundation in June and earn a QPR Suicide Gatekeeper certification.

What inspired you to become a Stamps Scholar?

What made me want to become a Stamps Scholar is the way the program allows students to pursue what they are passionate about and take advantage of opportunities that interest them. For instance, the enrichment fund will allow me to pursue unique study abroad options and unpaid internships with nonprofits that might not have been a possibility for me otherwise. I am also inspired by the way the Stamps program encourages students to use their talents and passions to give back to their communities. In addition to this, another thing that made me want to be a Stamps Scholar is the amazing community of students who are part of the program at Virginia Tech.

Tell us about yourself. 

I am a self-proclaimed bibliophile. For as long as I can remember I have been an avid reader, writer and collector of novels. I have always loved to read as evidenced by my bookshelves that are bursting at the seams but I also love to write stories of my own. Growing up, I was the kid who read for hours until their parents forced them to stop, whose birthday wish list consisted solely of books, and who grinned instead of groaned when the teacher announced a creative writing assignment. Though on second thought, I think part me will always be that kid. Outside of reading, writing, and book hoarding, I also enjoy overly competitive games of Uno, playing the cello, listening to music, hanging out with friends, volunteering, going to youth group, and drinking copious amounts of coffee and bubble tea.


What encouraged you to attend Virginia Tech?

When I toured the campus, I immediately knew that I could call Virginia Tech my “home away from home.” I was attracted to Virginia Tech because of its lively atmosphere, strong Hokie Alumni network, and amazing dining hall food that my Hokie friends would brag about when they were home during break.

What are you planning on studying?

I am majoring in Political Science on track for Pre-law and am interested in pursuing a minor in business. I have always been interested in learning about social issues and the ways policies impact our everyday lives.

What inspired you to become a Stamps Scholar?

Stamps inspire me to continue to be an active member in my community by serving others. I am excited for the opportunity to study abroad and participate in undergraduate research. Through the Stamps Scholar network, I hope to continue to grow as a leader. As a Stamps Scholar, I would like to continue my involvement with non-profit organizations.

Tell us about yourself.

Ever since I was little, I have always loved running. I have been running competitively for over eight years and was on the varsity track and cross country teams at my high school. Running has taught me how to live a balanced life of having fun and working hard. I have participated in many charity events and races, such as the Shamrock final mile and 5k, Eliza Hope race, and Love Run. During my Junior and Senior years, I had the opportunity to be the Chairman for the Love Run race whose focus was to raise money for the Children's Hospital of The King’s Daughters, a regional hospital. For four years, I volunteered at my high school track and field summer camp. I have always enjoyed being involved in my school. I was Class President for three years and was an active member in numerous honor societies, such as the Spanish Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Quill Scroll, and National Honor Society. When I am not at school or running, I like to spend time with my friends and family at the beach or tubing on a boat. I am a BIG fan of the Mama Mia movies and am always singing along to ABBA with my friends.


What encouraged you to attend Virginia Tech?

I knew that I wanted to go to Virginia Tech after visiting their architecture labs on a campus tour, as well as hearing others talk about their experiences. I loved how the architecture program allows students to focus on the innovation and STEM side of architecture, as well as the art and design side. It made me excited to learn and gave me the courage to do what I love: make art.

What are you planning on studying?

I am planning on studying Architecture with a focus in sustainable architecture because of my love for art and the environment, as well as my interest in engineering and design. I believe that helping the environment starts with how we live and expand ourselves, which should be sustainably.

What inspired you to become a Stamps Scholar?

I love the community that being a Stamps Scholar provides, not only with the other scholars, but also the community that the opportunity provides, such as being able to travel abroad to meet new people and make connections.

Tell us about yourself. 

I'm from Manassas, Virginia and will be an Architecture major at Virginia Tech. I am a graduate from Osbourn Park Senior High School and The Governor’s School at Innovation Park at George Mason University. I am a 4-year varsity track and field athlete, and love trail running with friends. For fun I like to draw and paint, do anything crafts/arts-oriented, and sell my art professionally. I have always found it interesting to look into the ways that art can be combined with innovation and STEM, which is why I have decided to study architecture. I never thought I would be able to build and create art as a profession but being a Stamps Scholar at Virginia Tech has already opened so many doors. As a little girl who was always playing with Legos and drawing, I am beyond happy to continue to do so (with a little more professionalism) for my education and future career.


What encouraged you to attend Virginia Tech?

Virginia Tech has been one of my top-choice schools since I was a child. It is not too far away from home, and every time I visited the campus, I felt a sense of support in envisioning an innovative career. It is an excellent fit for my academic goals and will help me develop knowledge and research skills to make an impact on the field after graduation.

What are you planning on studying at Virginia Tech?

While at Virginia Tech, I am planning to major in engineering, and my long-term goal is to pursue a doctoral degree. I am interested in collaborative interdisciplinary research focusing on engineering, biology, and computational modeling. I am fascinated with data analytics and their contribution to developing algorithms and devices that could predict the onset of diseases. I hope to help people who suffer from genetic disorders by identifying treatment solutions. Virginia Tech provides the ideal setting to pursue this goal as it is known for its focus on research and commitment to undergraduate teaching.

What inspired you to become a Stamps Scholar?

Stamps inspires me to set challenging goals and work hard to achieve them so I can give back to the community and motivate others to do the same. Being a Stamps Scholar will allow me to chase my dreams by immersing myself in my studies. It will also enable me to develop leadership skills and learn from other like-minded Stamps scholars and alumni who bring different perspectives and opinions to the table.

Tell us about yourself. 

I am a goal-oriented, curious, and self-reflective individual who is eager to learn how to apply engineering techniques to create, design, and test products that might provide cutting-edge solutions for diagnosing and treating medical conditions. My ultimate goal is to become a college professor in the field of biomedical engineering. I love learning foreign languages and being exposed to different cultures. I have been very involved with athletics throughout my life. I was a competitive gymnast for seven years and an avid swimmer. I began to play volleyball in 8th grade, and I am currently a member of my high school varsity team, and I also play club volleyball. In my free time I love to read, bake, and enjoy photography, painting, and pottery. I have been involved in numerous service projects in the community because I am passionate about helping others thrive. Volunteering and helping those in need brings me joy, and I would love to continue to do so as a Hokie!