OVH Pres. Ruth Frock presents Scholarship checks to Ben Gelb (left) and Ashil Farahmand (right)

Ashil Farahmand, Ruth Frock and Ben Gelb

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Many of you probably know Ben through his participation in operating events and ARES functions such as the Marine Corps, for which he’s coordinated the medical net, Hurricane Isabel, and the Dulles Emergency Drill. Ben is also president of TJ’s ham club, a Member of Vienna Wireless Society’s Board of Directors, and webmaster for the VWS website. In May, he made his first trip to Dayton Hamvention.

Ben has done pretty well in the classroom too. He has a GPA of 4.037, and is a member a team of student systems administrators who maintain school’s Computer System Laboratory, and web and email servers. He is also participant in the school’s annual Botball robotics competition, and worked with some friends to develop a popular online computer game, Kings of Chaos. Many of Ben’s school projects have amateur radio applications.

David Bell, Laboratory Director of TJ’s Technology Education Department, says: "Ben’s presence in class has made him the natural leader…From the very first days in the beginning-level Digital Electronics Class to the Microprocessor Systems Class, and now the Audio Electronics Class, Ben has leapt at the opportunity to explain complicated topics to others, and to lead them to new heights that kindled so much innovation in our lab. He is the spark that develops the highly stimulating academic/engineering environment."

This fall, Ben will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He plans to major in computer science and electrical engineering.

Osbourn High School

Ashil has a GPA of 3.981, and is ranked 30^th of 422 students. One of his teachers, Michael George, wrote that, "He has maturity beyond his years as evidenced by his efforts to develop himself mentally, spiritually, and physically… Ashil’s attention to detail is evident in the quality of his work, reports, and networking assignments. His willingness to assist his classmates with difficult concepts reinforces his qualities as a student, and as an outstanding candidate [for the OVH Scholarship]."

There’s no question but that Ashil is certainly a well-rounded individual. He is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors, and received an Outstanding Student Achievement Award from the Manassas City School Board. He also attended the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics.

Ashil is a member of several student organizations, and Osbourn’s varsity indoor track team. He is an assistant instructor for the school’s Cisco Networking Academy, a chemistry tutor, and assistant team coordinator for the Team America Rocketry Challenge. His community activities include serving as an instructor at Camp Eagle, an organizer for Operation Turkey, and a team captain for the Manassas Area Soccer Association.

Ashil is on his way to Virginia Tech where he will major in engineering. He plans to become a network engineer.

Thanks to Jim W4JTP, Scholarship Chairman, and the other members of the Scholarship Committee: MaryLu KB4EFP and John N4YOB.