HIGHLIGHTS:
- The Lawson Family Foundation awarded four full scholarships to dependent children of Lawson employees and community residents this year.
- 2026 marks the fourth year of Foundation scholarship awards.
- The foundation is working to add vocational scholarship awards in the future.
Norfolk, VA – June 10, 2025 – The Lawson Family Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 college scholarships, awarding four scholarships to exceptional graduating high school seniors across Virginia.
The Foundation traditionally awards two scholarships annually, one to a dependent child of a Lawson employee and one to a dependent child of a resident living in a Lawson community. Due to the number of exceptional applicants this year, the Board elected to double its impact by awarding four scholarships in 2026.
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
Ezra Locke, Jr. of Suffolk, is a dedicated deacon at his church and accomplished track & field and cross-country student-athlete. Ezra plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Riley Foster of Chesapeake, is an active member of Young Life and plans to major in Psychology with a minor in Occupational Therapy. Her goal is to earn a master’s degree in Pediatric Occupational Therapy.
Madison Vesey of Norfolk, served as President of her high school Key Club and will pursue a degree in Nursing.
Camilla Maldonado Vigil of Woodbridge, is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and National STEM Honor Society. She plans to study Biochemistry.
The 2026 awards mark the fourth year of the Lawson Family Foundation Scholarship Program. Including this year’s recipients, the Foundation has awarded ten scholarships to deserving students pursuing higher education.
The Foundation is also working to further expand opportunities with the future addition of vocational scholarships.
“Our Mom and Dad instilled in us the importance of education and always encouraged us to pursue higher education, and to never stop learning,” said Steve Lawson, Lawson Family Foundation Board Member. “I am, therefore, extraordinarily proud that the Foundation’s first project was to establish scholarship funds to provide full scholarships to young people in our community. On behalf of my entire family, we are both thrilled and honored to pass along the incredible opportunity of education.”
The Lawson Family Foundation was established to strengthen communities and expand opportunities for individuals and families throughout the regions Lawson serves. It is administered as a fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.
About Lawson:
At Lawson, we understand that what we do – and how we do it – affects the everyday lives of people we care about. We focus on positively impacting people, from team members and residents to investors and business partners. We manage and own approximately 5,100 apartment units and continue to grow with nearly 700 units in development. Our business model provides vertical integration of development, construction, property management and asset management services, which enables our team of experts to add value at every stage for our partners. When you act with integrity, focus on quality and work to find creative solutions, great things are possible. It’s how we’ve done business at Lawson for more than 50 years. For more information, please visit www.lawsoncompanies.com.
About Lawson Family Foundation:
Our mission is to engage with effective and compassionate local partners to collectively enable individuals in our communities to flourish, dream, and craft brighter futures for themselves. We believe in the transformative power of education, financial empowerment, health and well-being, and strong social connections to create a brighter future for our residents and the neighborhoods we serve.
About Hampton Roads Community Foundation:
With roots dating back to 1950, the Hampton Roads Community Foundation is a permanent charitable endowment whose mission is to make life better in Hampton Roads through leadership, philanthropy, and civic engagement. Its vision is a thriving, more inclusive and equitable community with opportunity for all. The Foundation’s current focus is on such regional issues as early childcare and education, homelessness and affordable housing, climate change and disaster responsiveness, and regional economic competitiveness.