Peterson and Samaha Foundations

Peterson and Samaha Foundations

Many of our Westfield High School parents, students, staff, and alumni have asked how they can contribute to funds to memorialize Erin Peterson and Reema Samaha, Westfield Class of 2006 graduates, who were victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy last month. We promised that we would communicate information as it became available.

The Peterson and Samaha families now have set up foundations that will distribute scholarships and awards in memory of Erin and Reema to future Westfield High School graduates. These foundations are 501(c)3 corporations and are eligible for tax-deductible contributions under IRS guidelines. Both foundations have websites and will eventually have a process for online contributions.

The Erin Peterson Fund plans to recognize a minimum of two seniors annually for leadership in athletics and a commitment to excel in academics. The mission of the scholarships are to inspire future generations of Westfield students to emulate Erin’s strong sense of duty, love of school, and compassion for all who were in need. In addition the Peterson Foundation will look to broaden its scope by reaching out to members of the community who need help and support. For more information, visit the foundation’s website at www.erinpetersonfund.org

Mail contributions to:
The Erin Peterson Fund
5309 Braddock Ridge Dr.
Centreville, VA 20120
Checks should be made payable to: The Erin Peterson Fund

The Reema J. Samaha Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to recognizing Westfield students who exemplify the many wonderful attributes of Reema Samaha, including love for the performing arts, academic excellence, openness of mind, exceptional character, and
respect for diversity. The fund will support scholarships for Westfield seniors. The Reema Samaha website (currently under construction) is at www.reemasamaha.org

Mail contributions to:
The Reema J. Samaha Memorial Scholarship Fund
5205 Glen Meadow Rd.
Centreville, VA 20120
Checks should be made payable to: NVCF/Reema J. Samaha Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Now that the families’ foundations have been established, Westfield High School and its various booster clubs are no longer accepting donations in Erin Peterson’s or Reema Samaha’s names; instead the school community is working with the Peterson and Samaha families to consolidate contributions and to memorialize Erin and Reema in a thoughtful, responsible, and respectful manner.

Thank you for your continued support, and for being an important part of our Bulldog community.

*This web page contains links to one or more web pages that are outside the FCPS network. FCPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Information or products contained on any of these pages does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement from FCPS.