FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Dr. Jamee Rodgers
Phone: 540.373.9292 x120
September 3, 2025 – Fredericksburg, VA — The Community Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the 20th Annual Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program, engaging high school students from across the region in hands-on leadership and service. This fall, students are celebrating a milestone year as they continue the tradition of investing in organizations making a difference in our community.
This year, YIP participants have selected three nonprofit finalists to be considered for a $10,000 grant award: Friends of the Rappahannock, Spreading Smiles, and Girls on the Run Piedmont. These organizations represent the diverse ways nonprofits strengthen our community—through environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and youth development.
YIP brings together students from area high schools to learn about the importance of philanthropy. Each year, participants gain valuable leadership skills while seeing firsthand the power of collective giving.
This year’s program will feature two expert-led discussions: one on youth mental health with Kinsey Tyler, Resident in Counseling, and Kristyn Hunter, LCSW, Child & Adolescent Therapist at the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board; and another on the role of artificial intelligence with P. Anand Rao, PhD, Professor of Communication and Director of the Center for AI and the Liberal Arts at the University of Mary Washington.
“It’s incredible to see how this program has grown over the past 20 years,” said Jane McDonald, Program Specialist at the Community Foundation. “Our students bring energy, compassion, and fresh perspectives to community challenges, and their impact will be felt long after this year’s program ends.”
“This year’s finalists showcase the many ways nonprofits strengthen our region,” added Jessica Dirks, Program Specialist. “It’s inspiring to see our students recognize that impact and take an active role in supporting it.”
Fall 2025 Youth in Philanthropy Participants
The following students were selected to participate in the 20th Annual YIP program:
- Adam Brough – James Monroe High School
- Eliza Byrd – Fredericksburg Academy
- Hannah Craig – Riverbend High School
- Cora Durbin – Fredericksburg Christian School
- Rose Fallon-Roldan – James Monroe High School
- Madelynn Frederick – Courtland High School
- Henry Garman – James Monroe High School
- Ariela Gertner – Fredericksburg Academy
- Marissa George – James Monroe High School
- Emily Jane Harding – The Summit Academy
- Mary-Claire Hart – James Monroe High School
- Brynne Hill – Fredericksburg Academy
- Isobel Hornung – James Monroe High School
- Colleen Irwin – King George High School
- Deven Jani – Riverbend High School
- Charlotte Kolodgie – Fredericksburg Academy
- Jacob Korn – Riverbend High School
- Josephine LeDoux – Fredericksburg Academy
- Gabriella Levin – Fredericksburg Academy
- Joseph Lopez – James Monroe High School
- Annabelle Marschall – Stafford High School
- Kai McDermott – Fredericksburg Academy
- Ellie Meeks – Riverbend High School
- Taylor Moss – Fredericksburg Academy
- Zoe Mozena – Fredericksburg Academy
- Jaya Pai – Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School
- Jack Quinton – James Monroe High School
- Luke Rossi – James Monroe High School
- Holly Rowland – James Monroe High School
- Maximus Samuel – Riverbend High School
- John Schaffer – James Monroe High School
- Elle Smith – North Stafford High School
- Sophie Sweet – James Monroe High School
- Jay Tamarapu – Fredericksburg Academy
- Jackson Valesko – Spotsylvania High School
- Griffin Van Zandt – James Monroe High School
- Liam Weber – James Monroe High School
- Samantha Wenzel – Riverbend High School
For more information about Youth in Philanthropy, visit https://www.cfrrr.org/who-we-are/youth-in-philanthropy/.
###
About the Community Foundation
The Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity committed to enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Planning District 16, which includes the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. We serve individuals, families, businesses, and organizations united by a shared goal—strengthening our region through impactful philanthropy.
In 2025, the Community Foundation awarded more than $235,000 in scholarships, providing critical support for students pursuing higher education. We steward 220 named charitable funds, established by donors to support a wide array of causes. Last year alone, we distributed over $3.3 million in grants to nonprofits and community initiatives across the region.
With more than $60 million in assets under management, the Community Foundation maintains a strong financial position, ensuring responsible stewardship and long-term sustainability for the charitable funds entrusted to us. Our sound financial footing allows us to support the evolving needs of our community today and for generations to come.
For more information, please call (540) 373-9292, email info@cfrrr.org or visit www.cfrrr.org.