‘Scholar of the Year’ award winners Rylee Vann and Daphne Bobb (center) pose with fellow UMW Honors students at the Virginias Collegiate Honors Council (VCHC) Conference.
University of Mary Washington senior Rylie Vann has poured plenty of passion into a double major, three capstone projects and an array of campus involvement. But a recent accolade took the peer mentor and campus radio deejay – set to earn degrees next month in communication and digital studies, as well as in theatre – to new heights.
“I got more emotional than I expected,” said Vann, who was named Scholar of the Year at last weekend’s 2025 Virginias Collegiate Honors Council (VCHC) Conference. “I hadn’t realized how much receiving this award meant to me until I was giving my acceptance speech. I felt honored to represent UMW.”
She and first-year Mary Washington student Daphne Bobb swept the top honors at the conference, held April 4 and 5 at Virginia State University in Petersburg. Bobb was named Emerging Scholar of the Year, marking the first time both awards went to students from the same institution. The accolades, each including a $500 cash prize, were reserved for the best and brightest honors students in Virginia and West Virginia who exemplify outstanding scholarship, integrity and leadership.
“These students embody the very spirit of our program – enthusiasm, determination and a drive to make a difference,” said UMW Honors Program Director Kelli Slunt, who’s also a professor of chemistry. “It was a privilege to see two of our own recognized for their outstanding contributions and commitment to enhancing their education.” Read more.