The VHB Family Scholarship Program was created to support the higher education of children of VHB employees, and we're thrilled to announce this year's scholarship recipients: Kylie Bennett, Olivia Duncan, Luke Shao, Evan Tino, and Trevor Williams.
These outstanding students each earned a $5,000 scholarship through a competitive selection process managed by the non-profit Scholarship America. Recipients were chosen based on their academic achievements, leadership, involvement in school and community activities, honors, work experience, and educational and career goals.
Over the past 18 years, VHB has proudly awarded $164,000 in scholarships to 80 students. Learn more about the 2024 winners:
Kylie Bennett
Kylie is entering her sophomore year at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, majoring in English and minoring in French and Francophone Studies. She earned Dean’s List distinction both semesters in her freshman year and was one of five English students invited to participate in an independent study covering Knoxville’s Big Ears Music Festival. Kylie also had prose published in UTK’s Phoenix Literary Arts Magazine. Aside from academics, she is a content creator for The Fashion Society at UTK and a singer-songwriter, with her first single slated for release in October. Kylie is the daughter of Crystal Bennett, CRM Data Analyst in our Virginia Beach office.
Olivia Duncan
Olivia graduated from Liberty University Online Academy with her associate degree in psychology. She plans to continue her education at Liberty University as a junior. She looks forward to experiencing college life while serving others and deepening her leadership skills through Liberty University’s Eagle Scholar Program. While in high school, Olivia was active in various Bible study clubs, her school’s Beta Club, and multiple service projects. She enjoys reading, visiting coffee shops, and playing tennis in her free time. Olivia is the daughter of Thad Duncan, Senior Transportation Engineering Manager in our Charlotte office.
Luke Shao
Luke is a rising junior at Cornell University studying computer science. He is currently interning at a digital marketing firm working with generative AI and has previously conducted research in machine learning. Luke is involved with several project teams and organizations on campus, including Cornell University Sustainable Design and the Chinese Students Association. His hobbies include playing basketball, thrifting, and drinking green tea. Luke is the son of James Shao, Director of Traction Power in our Newark office.
Evan Tino
Evan is entering his junior year at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is working towards a degree in chemical engineering with a concentration in biochemical engineering and a minor in chemistry. His goal is to pursue research and development in the pharmaceutical industry. This past semester, he worked as a Supplemental Instructor for the Learning Resource Center, assisting the freshman Fundamentals of Chemical Engineering class. Evan is a BSA Eagle Scout and is also heavily involved in the UMass Ski and Board Club and the Outing Club. He enjoys hiking, skiing, and exploring the New England White and Green Mountains in his free time. Evan is the son of Vincent Tino, Senior Air Quality Specialist in our Watertown office.
Trevor Williams
Trevor will attend Cornell University as a fall 2024 freshman majoring in Chemical Engineering. Trevor is a 2024 Kennebunk High School graduate and a National Honor Society member. At KHS, he was a member of the math team and executive council. He enjoys being active, playing piano, guitar, violin, water skiing, alpine skiing, and fishing. Trevor has competed on varsity cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. Trevor is the son of Eric Williams, Geomatics Director in our Westbrook office.
Congratulations to the incredibly talented recipients of 2024 as they lead the way for our future!