TMG President Tanya Matthews recently presented two $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors who plan to major in business/marketing in college. The scholarships were sponsored by the Purcellville Business and Professional Association, of which Matthews is President. "This is the single most gratifying experience I've had during my term of office," said Matthews.

The two scholarship recipients were involved in the DECA program at Loudoun Valley High School, which teaches business and marketing skills via classroom and professional training. Scholarship winner Brittny Hamilton served as DECA vice president and placed second at the district level for achievement in merchandising. She also organized the annual Western Loudoun Community Volunteers fashion show fundraiser while juggling schoolwork and a full-time job with a local child care facility. Winning the PBPA scholarship was a life-changing achievement for Brittny, who is the first person in her family to pursue higher education. "Going to college will be such a positive change in my life," she said. "I know that I will make the Purcellville Business and Professional Association very proud." Brittny will attend Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall, where she plans to major in marketing.

Marita Villanueva plans to earn an associate’s degree in business administration from Northern Virginia Community College, transfer to George Mason University to earn a bachelor’s degree and pursue a master’s degree in international business. The scholarship will help Marita afford full-time tuition, which would not have been possible without PBPA’s help. Marita served as DECA secretary, was a member of the Multicultural Club and helped organize the WLCV fashion show and Darfur Barbecue fundraisers. "Marita is an outstanding student," noted her math teacher, Gary McKay. "She is very responsible and conscientious, always doing the best she can do. Marita has her future endeavors well planned and she sets high expectations for herself."

Tanya Matthews considers helping hard-working young people succeed to be a personal passion. "Awarding these well-deserved scholarships is my favorite day of the year to be PBPA President!"