The VRLTAF is awarding $26,000 in total scholarships to 15 Virginia students
The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association Foundation (VRLTAF) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026–27 scholarship program, awarding a total of $26,000 to 15 students pursuing education and career opportunities in Virginia’s restaurant, lodging, travel and hospitality industries.
Through its annual scholarship program, VRLTAF helps support the next generation of hospitality professionals as they pursue degrees, certifications and other educational opportunities that prepare them for careers in one of Virginia’s most important industries.
“Supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals is at the heart of the Foundation’s mission,” said Paul Kirschbaum, Partner at 1033 Consulting and Chair of the VRLTAF Board of Directors. “These scholarships are an investment not only in these deserving students, but in the future of Virginia’s hospitality and tourism industry. We’re proud to help these students take the next step in their education and look forward to seeing the impact they will make throughout their careers.”
The VRLTAF will be awarding scholarships to the following students for the 2026-27 academic school year:
- Daniela Amaya Bonilla (Potomac Senior High School) - Culinary Institute of Virginia
- Georvian Copeland (Manor High School) - Culinary Institute of Virginia
- Brooke Dempsey (Gainesville High School) - Culinary Institute of America
- Raheim Dukes (New Kent High School) - Culinary Institute of America
- Austin Higgs (Pulaski County High School) - SUNY Niagara
- Jeffrey Hill (Colonial Heights High School) - Old Dominion University
- Claire Pho (Loudoun County High School) - Auburn University‡
- Melanie Salazar (Annandale High School) - Johnson & Wales University§
- Lyle Schwartz (Washington-Liberty High School) - Drexel University†
- Hannah Scott (Albemarle High School) - Virginia Tech*
- Aiden Vonegloffstein (Kempsville High School) - Virginia Tech
*Scholarship funded in part by Retro Hospitality | †Scholarship funded in part by Glory Days Grill
‡Scholarship funded in part by Ford’s Fish Shack | §Scholarship funded in part by Silver Diner
In addition to the scholarships listed above, VRLTAF provided funding for two scholarships at Virginia Tech and one at Virginia Western Community College, which will be awarded to students pursuing careers in hospitality. A portion of the funds also supported high school Culinary Boot Camps that were organized by the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
VRLTAF scholarships are made possible through the generous support of restaurateurs, hoteliers, tourism professionals, hospitality suppliers and industry partners from across the Commonwealth. Since the program’s inception, the Foundation has awarded nearly $300,000 in scholarship funding to students pursuing hospitality-related education and careers.
The Foundation also raises scholarship funds throughout the year through signature events including the Blue Ridge Open Charity Golf Classic and Cornhole for Colleges, bringing together members of Virginia’s hospitality community to invest directly in the industry’s future workforce.
In addition to its scholarship program, VRLTAF works to strengthen Virginia’s restaurant, lodging and travel workforce through education, training and career development initiatives designed to connect students with opportunities throughout the hospitality industry.
Students interested in future scholarship opportunities can learn more about the VRLTAF scholarship program and application process through the Foundation’s scholarship portal.