Senior Earns Prestigious Scholarship for Exceptional Leadership and Academic Achievements

Congratulations to Christina Tabet '26, who has been named a recipient of the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award, a highly competitive scholarship presented to high school seniors across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Each year, only 11 students throughout the state are chosen for this honor, with one student selected to represent each of Virginia's congressional districts. The $30,000 award recognizes excellence of character, leadership, devotion to duty and academic accomplishment.

NSA's letter of recommendation highlights Christina's accomplishments in the classroom and beyond, balancing a demanding academic schedule of honors and AP courses while playing two varsity sports, serving on the Honor Council and Student Council, participating on the leadership team of the Saints Endowment Council, running multiple clubs and overseeing the Coed Saints Flag Football League as a commissioner. School leaders emphasize that what truly sets Christina apart is her character and leadership, not just her impressive list of commitments. 

"Christina's leadership stands out not simply because she leads well, but because she leads in multiple ways," the letter reads. "She leads quietly by example, collaboratively by uplifting others and decisively when action is needed. She balances confidence with humility, and peers naturally look to her."

Christina was selected as the winner for Virginia's second congressional district, a region that includes the eastern shore, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Franklin and parts of Chesapeake and Southampton County. She is the fourth NSA student to earn this distinction, joining Joseph DiRenzo '06, Christina DiStasio '99 and Marie Sankaran Raval '96 as recipients.

Each high school in Virginia may nominate one graduating senior for the award. Applications are reviewed by a screening committee that includes deans of admission from the University of Virginia, William & Mary, Washington & Lee University and Virginia Tech, which selects 33 finalists. The finalists are interviewed in Richmond by a statewide selection committee, which ultimately chooses the 11 recipients.

Established in 1994 by former U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., the award reflects his belief that cultivating leadership among young people strengthens both education and democratic government. The first awards were issued in the spring of 1995. The University of Virginia Foundation administers the trust, and more than 300 students have received the award since its inception.

This recognition reflects not only Christina’s academic success, but also the character, initiative and leadership she brings to the NSA community each day. There is no doubt that she will carry these qualities with her and continue to make a meaningful impact wherever her next chapter leads.