tae’veon
Tae’Veon carries a calm determination: focused, steady, and sure of the goals he’s set for himself. He graduated from Collegiate High School, where he served as co‑president of the United Sisters and Brothers Affinity Group and participated in clubs like RAMPS and Student Diversity and Inclusion. Managing his commitments came naturally with club periods built into the school day.
He learned about the Pedestal Scholarship through Up RVA, and when he found out he won, he was genuinely surprised and deeply grateful. His family shared that excitement, relieved to feel a lighter financial burden as he heads to James Madison University.
Tae’Veon wants people to know he’s easygoing and social, someone who’s simple to get to know. Persistence didn’t always come easily; procrastination caused a lot of stress in high school. But he realized the habit wouldn’t serve him in the future, and he worked to break it. If he could talk to his younger self, he’d tell him to stay persistent and keep sight of the goals he set early on.
He’s always dreamed of becoming an engineer. The spark came in fourth grade, when a science teacher introduced a robotics project. Since then, he’s wanted to build, invent, and create. His biggest motivation is stability, the dream of giving his future children opportunities without relying on financial aid.
There were hard moments, like AP Physics, the toughest class he’s ever taken. But meeting with his teacher every free period helped him push through. His advice for seniors is simple: do the work, keep your work ethic strong so you don’t have to rebuild it in college.
He doesn’t like to brag, but he’s proud of one thing: he’s heading into college loan‑free, with scholarships covering his tuition. The Pedestal Fund is proud to support Tae’veon on his path to a happy, stable life.