Norfolk, VA – May 15, 2024 – The Lawson Family Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 annual scholarships—awards funded to support the educational goals of children of Lawson employees and residents of Lawson communities. Now in its third year, the foundation continues to invest in the future by supporting young people exhibiting exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and service.
Rehn Killian, the recipient of the Lawson employee scholarship, is a graduating senior at Hickory High School in Chesapeake, VA. Rehn has earned state-level academic recognition and maintained honor roll status throughout all four years of high school. A dedicated member of the DECA Club and Soccer Club, Rehn will attend Mary Baldwin University this fall, where he will study Business with a focus on Economics and Finance. He plans to continue playing soccer at the collegiate level and aspires to become a financial advisor and entrepreneur.
Shaniya Leigh Gray-Jackson, recipient of the Lawson resident scholarship, is a graduating senior at Huguenot High School in Richmond, VA. A leader in her school and community, Shaniya was named homecoming queen, is active in the Upward Bound program, a member of the Huguenot High Running Club, and serves as president of the Order of the Eastern Stars Youth Department. She also volunteers with the SPCA, Liberation Church, and Mission for Tomorrow. Shaniya will attend the University of Virginia where she plans to study cognitive science.
“Congratulations Rehn and Shaniya!”, said Lawson Family Foundation Chairman, Steve Lawson. “Your hard work, dedication, and leadership are truly inspiring. We are proud to support your educational journey and look forward to watching your continued success.”
The Lawson family is also thrilled to congratulate Denis Mwangi on his graduation from Old Dominion University! Denis is a prior recipient of the Lawson Family Foundation resident scholarship and is the first recipient to graduate. Denis majored in civil engineering technology and minored in civil engineering management and was an ODU student ambassador and Summit member.
About Lawson:
At Lawson, we understand that what we do – and how we do it – affects the everyday lives of people we care about. We focus on positively impacting people, from team members and residents to investors and business partners. We manage and own approximately 5,100 apartment units and continue to grow with nearly 700 units in development. Our business model provides vertical integration of development, construction, property management and asset management services, which enables our team of experts to add value at every stage for our partners. When you act with integrity, focus on quality and work to find creative solutions, great things are possible. It’s how we’ve done business at Lawson for more than 50 years. For more information, please visit www.lawsoncompanies.com.
About Lawson Family Foundation:
The mission of the Lawson Family Foundation Fund is to engage with effective and compassionate local partners to collectively enable individuals in our communities to flourish, dream, and craft brighter futures for themselves. We believe in the transformative power of education, financial empowerment, health and well-being, and strong social connections to create a brighter future for our residents and the neighborhoods we serve.
The Lawson Family Foundation Fund is administered by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, a community foundation serving South Hampton Roads.
About Hampton Roads Community Foundation:
With roots dating back to 1950, the Hampton Roads Community Foundation is a permanent charitable endowment whose mission is to make life better in Hampton Roads through leadership, philanthropy, and civic engagement. Its vision is a thriving, more inclusive and equitable community with opportunity for all. The Foundation’s current focus is on such regional issues as early childcare and education, homelessness and affordable housing, climate change and disaster responsiveness, and regional economic competitiveness.