The Ashley R. Thompson Memorial Fund was established on June 12th, 2003.

Through the generosity of friends and the community at large, this fund has supported the Ashley Renee Thompson Scholarship.

The first scholarship was awarded on June 14th, 2004.

Academic excellence, athleticism, and community involvement were all priorities for Ashley.

This scholarship will assist students who capture Ashley’s spirit, enthusiasm, and love of life begin their college careers.

Each year a deserving graduating senior is chosen to receive this scholarship.
The scholarship is open to all Fairfax County, Alexandria City, Falls Church and Arlington County Public Schools (Virginia) seniors.

The application process includes:

• a 500 word essay or less
• letters of recommendation
• high school transcript
• record of community/school service
• a 60 second video or less you produce to empower and motivate your peers to "Survive the 5" leading causes of teen vehicle crashes

⮮ DOWNLOAD ⮯   APPLICATION HERE

Numerous applications are received each year and the decision is always a difficult one.

The trustees of the Ashley Renee Memorial Foundation take this decision and process very seriously.

We are pleased to be able to present this scholarship each year in honor of Ashley's accomplishments and memory.
It is our way of continuing her positive outlook on life.

Ashley was an honor student, taking AP and honor classes.
She was a lover of the Latin language and was already taking Latin IV as a sophomore.

Ashley had been involved in gymnastics since the age of four and was a competitive gymnast.
She trained at Capital Gymnastics National Training Center over 30 hours a week.
She was also a member of the Lake Braddock High School woman’s gymnastics team.
Ashley’s positive attitude and spirit touched all who met her.

Her drive to always do her best despite any obstacle was her trademark.
Her unstoppable work ethic was well known and inspired all who knew her.
She is loved and missed by many.
Her friends have stated that “the halls of Lake Braddock lit up when Ashley walked by”.
Her unforgettable laugh and radiant smile is remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

It was said that, “Ashley had so many friends because she was a friend to so many”.

The ART of Driving is happy to announce that our 2023 Ashley Renee Thompson Memorial Scholarship recipient is Eliza Watkins from Fairfax, VA.

She is a graduate of Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax and will be attending Virginia Tech in the Fall.

We wish Eliza all the best as she embarks on this next chapter and have no doubt she will be successful.

Watch the video!