Scholarship Program Awards Presented at Luncheon
In July, the chapter hosted an engaging and highly attended luncheon, bringing together members from across the defense, industry and academic communities. The gathering kicked off with an insightful presentation from one of our valued chapter sponsors, DAKTRONICS. Representatives provided an excellent overview of the company's capabilities, highlighting the innovative products and essential services they have been delivering to government partners for many years.
The luncheon's keynote featured a special and heartfelt address from our outgoing chapter president, Lt. Col. Justin Handley, USAF. Delivering a warming farewell to the chapter, Handley reflected on his time in this vital leadership role. He generously shared his personal takeaways and the lessons he learned during his tenure, underscoring the importance of the chapter's continued success in fostering collaboration between the military and industry.
A major highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the 2026 AFCEA Tidewater Chapter Scholarship Program awards. The chapter was honored to recognize three exceptional local youths, providing financial support as they pursue STEM-focused higher education:
Meagan Way, a 2026 graduate of Tabb High School, was awarded the Sam Moore Scholarship. Way will be entering Cornell University to major in chemical engineering.
Doniyor Babajanov, also a 2026 graduate of Tabb High School, received the Deloitte Scholarship. He will be attending the University of Virginia to study biomedical engineering.
Lucas Powell-Riedl, a 2024 graduate of Menchville High School, was presented with the World Wide Technology Inc. Scholarship. Lucas is continuing his studies in electrical engineering at Virginia Tech.
The Tidewater Chapter extends a profound thank you to Lt. Col. Handley for his dedicated service and exceptional leadership and offers its warmest congratulations to these bright scholarship recipients as they embark on their academic journeys.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for our upcoming chapter events, both to be held at the BCC at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia:
September 17: Chapter Luncheon
October 8th: Multiverse Event
The luncheon's keynote featured a special and heartfelt address from our outgoing chapter president, Lt. Col. Justin Handley, USAF. Delivering a warming farewell to the chapter, Handley reflected on his time in this vital leadership role. He generously shared his personal takeaways and the lessons he learned during his tenure, underscoring the importance of the chapter's continued success in fostering collaboration between the military and industry.
A major highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the 2026 AFCEA Tidewater Chapter Scholarship Program awards. The chapter was honored to recognize three exceptional local youths, providing financial support as they pursue STEM-focused higher education:
Meagan Way, a 2026 graduate of Tabb High School, was awarded the Sam Moore Scholarship. Way will be entering Cornell University to major in chemical engineering.
Doniyor Babajanov, also a 2026 graduate of Tabb High School, received the Deloitte Scholarship. He will be attending the University of Virginia to study biomedical engineering.
Lucas Powell-Riedl, a 2024 graduate of Menchville High School, was presented with the World Wide Technology Inc. Scholarship. Lucas is continuing his studies in electrical engineering at Virginia Tech.
The Tidewater Chapter extends a profound thank you to Lt. Col. Handley for his dedicated service and exceptional leadership and offers its warmest congratulations to these bright scholarship recipients as they embark on their academic journeys.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for our upcoming chapter events, both to be held at the BCC at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia:
September 17: Chapter Luncheon
October 8th: Multiverse Event