Three Hanover County high school graduating seniors are recipients of college scholarship support from the Hanover Democratic Committee.
Caitlin Ferrell received a $1,500 scholarship award in honor of Carolyn Waugaman, a strong Democrat and supporter of the committee’s educational efforts who died in 2024. Ferrell volunteered for a House of Delegates campaign in 2023 and served as an intern to the Hanover Democratic Committee. She attended and helped with meetings, helped to organize a volunteer database, volunteered at state and congressional party conventions, and was a speaker at the committee’s Blue Moon Bash in April. She will attend George Washington University in the fall.
Daniel Howell, a graduate of Patrick Henry High School, received a $1,000 Bobby Ostergren Scholarship award, named for the late Hanover County registrar and committed Democrat. Howell furthered Democratic values by taking part in the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism at his synagogue and meeting with members of the Virginia congressional delegation on the need for a pro-choice America that allows access to contraceptives and the right to an abortion, and furthers women’s rights generally. He will attend Randolph-Macon College in the fall.
Keziah Bowers received a $1,000 scholarship award in honor of the late Melissa Dopp, a much-loved leader who was responsible for the committee’s digital transition and social media presence. Bowers helped Together Hanover, the Hanover NAACP, and Alumni Coalition to change confederate school names and mascots, and has volunteered with voter registration drives and other initiatives. Bowers will attend Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall.
“We know Bobby Ostergren, Melissa Dopp and Carolyn Waugaman would be proud of the way these students have worked to build our party and our community and we wish our recipients good luck as they start their college careers,” said HDC Chair Rachel Levy.
Recipients were chosen based on their participation in Democratic campaigns, their support of Democratic candidates, or their role in participation or formation of a Democratic club in their high school. Presentations were made June 9 at the monthly meeting of the HDC in Ashland.
Special thanks to major donors Howard Ostergren, Carrie Galeski, Liz Dopp, Pattie Bland, Caroline Cooke and other donors from the Hanover
