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Two Fairfax County high school graduates have received School Board honors for achievements extending beyond the classroom.

Ethan Lee of Woodson High School received the Laura Ashley Piper Scholarship, while Vidula Bharath of Centreville High School earned the School Board Character Award. Both are members of the Class of 2026.

The Laura Ashley Piper Scholarship honors a Robinson Secondary School graduate who served as the student representative to the Fairfax County School Board and later became a commissioned second lieutenant in the Air Force. Piper was killed in action over northern Iraq in April 1994.

Presented annually, the scholarship recognizes a Fairfax County Public Schools student who excels inside and outside the classroom.

Lee completed high school with a 4.55 grade-point average, earned an A in every course and worked toward an AP Diploma. His community service focused in part on food equity, including organizing food drives, distributing food to people in need and promoting sustainability and access to food.

He also helped establish Cleats for a Cause, an organization that supplies sports equipment to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and served as its director of operations.

Lee thanked his family, friends, teachers and counselor, along with the School Board, for supporting and recognizing him.

This fall, he plans to study biochemistry at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania and play on the men’s soccer team. He intends to carry forward Piper’s example of leadership through service.

Bharath received an award presented to one FCPS junior or senior who consistently displays integrity, strong morals and good character. She was recognized for approaching challenges with resilience and grace and for showing kindness, honesty and compassion toward others.

Her service includes working as co-president of the Wildcats vs. Cancer Club and as a counselor for Sunrise Day Camp and Capital Caring Health’s Adler Center. She also advocates for nonprofit organizations including Leukemia Together.

Bharath thanked her family, counselor, Centreville teachers and staff, and the School Board for their encouragement and support.

She will attend the University of Virginia this fall to study nursing and hopes to continue making a positive difference in her community and the lives of those around her.

Educate Fairfax and Apple Federal Credit Union supported the awards through a partnership that helps sustain annual FCPS student-recognition programs.