NWFCU Foundation Awards $150,000 in Aspire Higher Scholarships to DMV Students

Contributed by NWFCU Foundation

Reston's James Butlin receives his scholarship. Left to right: Mary Defelice, Milly Cramer, Nene Spivy, James Butlin, Dave Eldred, Juri Valov, Taralyn Tharp Kohler. Photo submitted by NWFCU Foundation.

The Northwest Federal Credit Union (NWFCU) Foundation has awarded $150,000 in scholarships to outstanding students across the region through its annual Aspire Higher Scholarship Program. Among this year’s recipients are several rising stars from the Reston/Herndon area—young leaders whose ambition, accomplishments, service, and character reflect the foundation’s mission.

One such recipient is James Butlin, a graduating senior from South Lakes High School who has demonstrated both academic excellence and community leadership. James completed the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-Related Program with an impressive 4.4 GPA. Athletically, he excelled in basketball, varsity golf, and varsity baseball, where he served as team captain.

Off the field, James has made a lasting impact through service. He volunteered as a counselor and adaptive ski instructor for the Adventure Amputee Camp, contributed to the Youth Advisory Board of the Children’s Science Center, and co-designed an educational prosthetics exhibit for the center. As president of the Young Men’s Service League Vienna-Oakton chapter, he completed more than 250 hours of volunteer service during high school.

This fall, James will attend UNC Chapel Hill to pursue his passion for business and social impact.“I’m incredibly honored to receive the Aspire Higher Scholarship,” said James. “It’s not just financial support—it’s a reminder that service and leadership matter. I’m excited to carry those values forward at UNC.”

Herndon High School student Mona Lin was also selected for the NWFCU Foundation scholarship. A participant in Genesys Works, Mona is currently interning at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), supporting both the Human Resources and Business Engagement & Career Services departments. Known for her enthusiasm and drive to connect with others, Mona is passionate about building a career in employee support and talent development. She will use her scholarship this fall to study business management at Radford University.

“The NWFCU Foundation’s Aspire Higher Scholarship Program is more than a financial award. It’s a vote of confidence in students who are already making a difference,” said Taralyn Tharp Kohler, Vice President and Foundation Director at Northwest Federal Credit Union. “With each story like James’s, Mona’s, and those of our other scholarship recipients, the foundation reinforces its commitment to building stronger communities through education, service, and opportunity.”

This year’s 30 scholarship recipients were selected from more than 400 applicants, all with remarkable achievements and potential. The selection process was a company-wide initiative, with Northwest employees volunteering more than 400 hours to review applications.

“We believe in the power of education to transform lives,” said Jeff Bentley, President & CEO of Northwest Federal Credit Union and Chair of the NWFCU Foundation Board. “Hearing these students’ accomplishments and aspirations is incredibly inspiring. They represent the best of our community, and we are proud to support their journeys. It’s rewarding to know that with this funding—and the skills they’ll gain in college—they’ll be empowered to make an even greater impact locally and beyond.”

The foundation continues to support past recipients as they pursue their dreams. One example is Josiah Ham, a 2024 South Lakes High School graduate and current Old Dominion University student. The 2024 Aspire Higher Scholarship recipient is majoring in cybersecurity and achieved Dean’s List honors in the spring semester of his freshman year with a 3.8 GPA, an example of how long-term investment in students yields ongoing success.

Since 2005, the Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation has awarded more than $2.2 million in scholarships to 436 deserving students.

Applications for the 2026 Aspire Higher Scholarship Program open on Oct. 15. Scholarships are funded by the Drive for the Driven Golf Tournament, which takes place Sept. 15. The foundation is currently seeking sponsors for the event. To learn more, visit www.nwfcu.org/ or contact foundation@nwfcu.org.