Ruffing Scholar – 2023
Baker Hasan, a 2023 graduate of Justice High School, has been awarded a Ruffing Scholarship. In honor and memory of ACCA founders Emily and Fred Ruffing, ACCA awards a scholarship each July to graduating high school seniors who have overcome disabilities.
Baker moved to the US from Iraq in 2013 and participated in cross-country, robotics, and multiple hackathons in high school while working on a service project to improve technology in schools. He also started the Computer Science Honor Society at Justice and developed a website for a nonprofit that provides help to families in Iraq.
Congratulations and best wishes to Baker as he continues his studies this fall at Virginia Tech.
Ruffing Scholar – 2022
Genesis Chavez Almendares is ACCA’s Ruffing Scholar for 2022. 
Genesis is a graduate of Justice High School where she was on the Honor Roll. She was active in a feeding the homeless program with her church. Genesis was also recognized for being a peer tutor for her classmates.
Genesis will be attending Northern Virginia Community College, focusing on Nursing and Anesthesiology.
In honor and memory of ACCA founders Emily and Fred Ruffing, ACCA awards a scholarship each July to graduating high school seniors who have overcome disabilities.
In 2015, teachers noticed Genesis had Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) characteristics. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder which can include difficulties with concentration and distractions from surroundings while working on tasks. Genesis learned to manage her ADHD by using several strategies including graphic organizers to focus on steps within assignments, recognizing and avoiding potential distractions, self-advocating with teachers to monitor her gradebook for assignment completion, and seeking out clarification and assistance on challenging or overdue tasks.
Genesis wrote us the following note after being selected for the scholarship:
“I can’t thank you enough for the Ruffing Scholarship, giving me this big opportunity and selecting me. With my disabilities I’ve had a difficult time but everyday I reminded myself to never let anything ruin my dreams. This scholarship has made a big impact on me to continue achieving my goals, and will take off a lot of financial stress. After high school I look forward to studying at Northern Virginia Community College and focusing in Nursing and Anesthesiology. Much appreciated!”
Rosy Sultana – Ruffing Scholar – 2019
Following was written in June 2023 by Ruffing Scholar Rosy Sultana as she graduated from George Mason University Magna Cum Laude. Congratulations to Rosy and best wishes for continued success!
Time flies, and it feels surreal to realize that four years have passed since my first hesitant steps into a Mason classroom. As a female first-generation student in STEM with a disability, I grappled with trepidation and imposter syndrome. The fear of not being good enough for a tech interview in the industry weighed heavily on me. Nonetheless, fueled by determination and the support of my family, I persevered, embarking on a journey that transformed my life.
During my initial days, I found myself dwelling on my limitations rather than my abilities. Recognizing that self-confidence was my biggest barrier, I decided to challenge myself. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I ran for President of an honors college student organization I was part of, leveraging my leadership and management skills. Surprisingly, I won the election and continued in this role for three years, while also contributing as a Mason Ambassador, panelist, and undergraduate teaching assistant.
Financing my education was no easy task, but through scholarships and multiple part-time jobs, I managed to shoulder the financial burden while excelling in my full-time undergraduate course load and accelerated Master’s courses. This taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of prioritizing what truly matters, allowing me to graduate debt-free.
I began my search for internships with newfound confidence, resulting in multiple opportunities. One phone call, which I still recall during the Presidential Inauguration turned into an internship where I worked directly with the CEO, who became a guiding mentor. These internships not only enriched my technical skills but also fostered lasting relationships within and out of the Mason community.
My journey would have been arduous without the unwavering support of my family, my faith, and numerous others, including the ACCA scholarship committee. Their belief in me and encouragement paved the way for my achievements over the past four years, and words cannot express my gratitude. Reflecting on my transformative journey, I am humbled and grateful for the five internships I completed throughout the years, the connections I forged within the community, and the degree I now hold, graduating Magna Cum Laude. It is a testament to the power of determination, holding steadfast to faith, and support.
As I move forward, I am filled with immense gratitude for the opportunity to start a full-time position as a Software Engineer while continuing my Masters in the upcoming Fall semester. This is not just my triumph; it is a triumph over adversity, a testament to resilience. My experiences have taught me that with self-belief, faith, and a strong support system, one can conquer any challenge that comes their way.