June 20, 2024

Sheriff Stacey Kincaid presented four college scholarships from the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute College Scholarship Program. Three full-time undergraduate students were awarded $1,000, and a master's student was awarded $500. All four met the criteria of residing in Fairfax County, attending a Virginia college or university, and majoring in criminal justice. 

"I am inspired by this diverse group of students who excel academically, face challenges head on and are passionate about public service," said Kincaid. "We congratulate them for their strong work ethic and wish them much success in their studies and chosen professions."

Arely Solis Artola
Arely is a rising sophomore at George Mason University, majoring in criminology with a minor in psychology. Her career goal is to assist and advocate for victims of crime, especially those in the Latin community. She also aims to develop a deeper understanding about the correctional and court systems, enhancing her skills as a victim’s advocate. Arely spent last summer as a camp counselor for 3rd and 4th graders in Fairfax County’s summer Rec-Pac program. She also has been working for more than a year as a housekeeper for a daycare facility and as a classroom floater for an infant through kindergarten program. She volunteers for many of her church’s activities, is CPR/First Aid Certified, and was named Student of the Quarter for her high school’s Criminal Justice Academy. In addition, Arely is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Duaa Chaudhry
Duaa was an undergraduate student in George Mason University’s Honors Program, majoring in criminology with a concentration in criminal justice. She earned her bachelor's degree in May and will continue to a master’s program in criminal justice this fall. Duaa is employed part-time by the university in the Police Cadet Program at the rank of corporal, where she acquired skills in traffic control, campus patrol and efficient communication. She has also been employed in the Honor College to mentor students creating a project to benefit non-profits. She taught them how to collaborate with their non-profit partners in a professional setting and solve issues among group members. Her extracurricular activities have included community service, Women Leaders in Law Enforcement, Student Government Association leadership, and Police Leaders of Tomorrow. Duaa is well-respected for her leadership skills, empathy, responsiveness, collaboration and ability to work under pressure.

Cayden Nunn
Cayden will begin college at Liberty University this fall. He intends to study criminal justice and follow in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, a Fairfax County police officer, or his mother, a Fairfax County Sheriff’s deputy. Cayden is active in his church and participates in its youth group. He played varsity football in high school and has been a member of the Fairfax Police Youth Club football team since he was 5 years old. As a fourth generation native of Fairfax County, he is eager to come back to serve his community once he finishes college. Cayden’s family, through their businesses and government service, have all contributed to the community, and he wants to continue that legacy. Outside of school, Cayden has his own lawn care business, having cut lawns for the past five years. He describes himself as an energetic extrovert.

Marie Sesay
Marie is a rising senior at George Mason University, pursuing a career in criminology. She immigrated to the United States from Sierra Leone in West Africa with her father and brother, leaving her mother behind temporarily. In addition to her academic achievements, Marie works full-time at CVS as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. She has been financially independent since the age of 16, supporting herself and assisting her mother and other family members still in Sierra Leone. Marie is drawn to the fields of crime analysis and victimology stemming from her early exposure to crime dramas on television. While recognizing that TV shows depicting case-solving processes differ from real life scenarios, she has been inspired by the collaboration she sees in the solving of cases and wishes to contribute meaningfully to the criminal justice system. Marie earned an associate degree from Northern Virginia Community College and volunteers in the community.