News Release: VSBA Board of Directors Tidewater Region Regional Scholarship Recipient Announced
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News Release
For Immediate Release
April 24, 2026
Contact
Gina Patterson, executive director
434-295-8722 or gina@vsba.org
VSBA Board of Directors Tidewater Region Regional Scholarship Recipient Announced
Charlottesville, VA – The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) proudly announces Daksh Master, a senior at Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach City Public Schools, as the 2026 VSBA Board of Directors Regional Scholarship recipient for the VSBA Tidewater Region. Master was recognized last night during the VSBA Tidewater Region Spring Network Forum and will receive a $5,000 scholarship to support his post-secondary education.
A dedicated leader, Daksh has served as President and Vice President of the Mayor’s Youth Leaders in Action (MYLA), Treasurer of the National Honor Society, and Vice President of the National English Honor Society, while actively participating in multiple academic honor societies. Daksh has represented student voices through organizations such as the Western Bayside Collaborative and the 3rd Precinct Citizen’s Advisory Committee and was recognized by the Virginia Beach City Council for three years of community service.
Through prestigious programs including the Summer Residential Governor’s School for Humanities and the NASA Virginia Space Coast Scholars Summer Academy, he has strengthened his research and critical thinking skills, preparing him to pursue a future in public policy to support and empower underserved communities.
When asked what this scholarship means to him, Master wrote, “Receiving the VSBA Board of Directors Regional Scholarship means that my efforts to lead, excel in the classroom, and serve my community are recognized by others, inspiring me to continue striving for excellence in everything I do. This scholarship has reinforced that I am on the path to becoming a champion for impact, one of my life goals, and has shown me that dedication and hard work lead to significant results.”
“Daksh represents the exceptional talent and leadership we are proud to see in students throughout the Tidewater Region,” said VSBA Tidewater Region Chair and Norfolk City School Board Chair Tiffany Moore-Buffaloe. “His commitment to academic excellence, civic engagement, and amplifying student voices demonstrates a deep sense of responsibility to his community. We are excited to recognize Daksh’s achievements and look forward to the meaningful contributions he will make in the field of public policy.”
VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson stated, “Students like Daksh reflect the promise of the next generation of leaders in Virginia. His dedication to service, leadership, and advocating for underserved communities embodies the values that public education seeks to nurture. VSBA is proud to support Daksh as he continues his educational journey and works towards creating positive change in his community.”
About the Virginia School Boards Association
The Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training, and services. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.
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