Berryville, VA — The Clarke County Education Foundation (CCEF) is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Rosemont Leadership Award, Clarke County High School’s most prestigious individual student scholarship. This distinguished $10,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior who exemplifies exceptional leadership, character, and a commitment to service. The winner will be announced during Senior Recognition Night on Sunday, May 18th at 6:00 PM at Clarke County High School.
Established in 2021 through the generosity of Biff Genda, owner of Historic Rosemont, the Rosemont Leadership Award was created to continue the legacy of the Star Leadership Award previously offered by the Byrd Family of Newspapers. Genda contributes $5,000 annually to the award, matched by CCEF to bring the scholarship total to $10,000.
“The Rosemont Leadership Award not only celebrates student excellence but also preserves an important tradition in our community,” said Beth Williams, Executive Director of CCEF. “Thanks to Mr. Genda’s continued support, we’re able to recognize and invest in the next generation of leaders in Clarke County.”
In addition to funding the scholarship, Mr. Genda donates use of Rosemont Springs for CCEF’s annual Mardi Gras Gala, which raised over $60,000 this year in support of Clarke County Public Schools.
The 2025 finalists were selected through a nomination and voting process led by Clarke County High School faculty and staff, followed by a points-based rubric to identify the top four student leaders.
Meet the Finalists
Caroline Mae Brewer is a Senior and full IB Diploma Candidate at Clarke County High School. In her free time, Caroline enjoys performing at school and at The Old Opera House in Charles Town, WV. She takes ballet, pointe, tap, and hip-hop classes weekly and balances her passion for dance with leadership roles as President of the Senior Class, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Gender-Sexuality Alliance. Caroline is also Captain of the VHSL Scholastic Bowl Team. She works year-round at Chick-Fil-A and volunteers backstage in community theater. Caroline plans to attend the University of Virginia to study Political Science and pursue a career in the court system.
Connor Alden Denison has attended Clarke County Public Schools his entire life and is known for his school spirit and leadership. He participates in football, soccer, and marching band, while excelling in dual-enrollment and IB coursework. Connor is passionate about media production, particularly photography and videography, and enjoys working outdoors. His dedication and positive outlook have made him a leader among his peers.
Logan Mary MacDonald serves as Editor-in-Chief of the CCHS yearbook, Vice President of SCA, and President of the International Thespian Society. She is a DECA officer and has earned a black belt in Taekwondo. Logan has performed in every spring musical during high school and competed with the Forensics Team and Scholastic Bowl. She will attend New York University in the fall to study Drama with a double major in Pre-Law and plans to pursue a professional career in theater.
Catherine Mary Macoy is an IB student involved in arts, athletics, DECA, and community service. She co-founded a summer camp focused on faith and the outdoors and volunteers with the Clarke County Historical Association. A National MENSA member and political volunteer, Catherine plans to study International Business and Environmental & Sustainability Policy at William & Mary or UVA, and hopes to learn French, Russian, and Arabic for international research and service work.
Meet the Judges
Matthew Bass is the elected Commonwealth’s Attorney for Clarke County. Prior to assuming the role in November 2024, he was in private practice locally for over a decade, specializing in criminal defense and civil personal injury litigation. He previously served as the elected Berryville representative on the Clarke County Board of Supervisors and has been involved in numerous public service roles throughout the County for years. Matt is a native of Clarke County, graduate of CCPS, and lives in Berryville with his wife, Kelbi, and their two children.
Lauren McKay Cummings is an Enterprise Communications Strategist at Navy Federal Credit Union and a 2001 CCHS graduate. A former finalist for the Winchester Star’s “Star Leadership Award,” Lauren served as Virginia DECA State Secretary and later graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Media Studies. She worked for eight years in television news and later served as the Public Information Officer for the Winchester Police Department and Executive Director of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition. She is passionate about community service and youth leadership.
Erecka Gibson – Erecka Gibson, a licensed Certified Public Accountant, is the Director of Treasury and Risk Management Accounting at The George Washington University. A resident of Berryville, Virginia, Erecka has served on the Berryville Town Council since 2016 and currently serves as the Vice Mayor. Erecka also serves on the Board of Loudoun Mutual Insurance Company. Erecka is invested in her community and is honored to give back with her time and expertise.
Chris Holthaus is a small business lender with a passion for helping entrepreneurs grow and succeed. Beyond his professional work, Chris is a dedicated philanthropist who supports initiatives that strengthen communities. He enjoys time with his family, golfing, working out, and being active outdoors—bringing the same energy to his personal life that he brings to his career.
Ty Lawson Thomas Moore (“Ty”) Lawson, Of Counsel to Williams Mullen, is a real estate, land use planning and zoning, and litigation attorney. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Lee University and his Juris Doctor from George Mason University School of Law. Ty has served on numerous Boards in the Northern Shenandoah Valley and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. He was appointed to the Commonwealth Transportation Board in 2022 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Ty resides in Clarke County. He is proud to support the next generation of local leaders.
Diane Shipe is a retired professor of Health Policy and Administration and has been a Clarke County resident for over two decades. Now a “professional volunteer,” she serves on the Board of Directors for Our Health in Winchester and performs with the Clarke County Community Band. Diane brings a lifelong commitment to education and civic engagement to her role as a scholarship judge.
