Mount Vernon, VA, November 17, 2025 – George Washington’s Mount Vernon has selected Roy Wulf from Manassas, Virginia, and Zafar Zaidi from Westfield, New Jersey, as recipients of the 2025 Mount Vernon Prize for Excellence in Civics and History. Bestowed in honor of Dr. Jennifer London, this annual award recognizes middle and high school student projects that apply knowledge of George Washington’s life to extend his legacy of public service and scholarship to their community.
“Both of the Students of the Year demonstrated creativity and purpose in projects that connect deeply with George Washington’s legacy of service and leadership,” said Allison Wickens, Vice President for Education at Mount Vernon. “Their work shows that Washington’s resonance remains powerfully strong for youth today.”
As part of its mission to advance civic education, George Washington’s Mount Vernon provides extensive educational resources that explore the life and impact of America’s first president. Through awards, events, and lesson plans, Mount Vernon helps students and teachers alike examine Washington’s enduring relevance in today’s world.
2025 High School Winner, Roy Wulf
Roy Wulf attends St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Manassas, Virginia. His project, a high school fife and drum corps, was inspired by his longtime fascination with Mount Vernon and his appreciation for Resident Fifer Donald Francisco. During his junior year, Roy collaborated with Janice Siegfried, the Director of Instrumental Music at his high school, to establish the musical unit, which currently has about a dozen active student musicians. In advance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the corps pays tribute to Washington's European allies in the war—in particular, the soldiers and sailors of France and Spain. Roy has been awarded a $5,000 prize and a family membership to Mount Vernon.
His teacher, Janice Siegfried, said, “As the director of instrumental music, I have been deeply impressed by Roy’s efforts this past year to start a fife, drum, and bugle corps…inspired as he was by his interest in George Washington, Mount Vernon, and the involvement of America’s European allies in the war. What a passionate, talented high schooler he is! In my 20 years of teaching, and before that, my 20 years with the Air Force Band, I've never worked with a student like him.” She received a $500 cash award for her support and guidance as Roy established the corps and for nominating his work for the Student of the Year Award.
Read more about Roy Wulf and his project.
2025 Middle School Winner, Zafar Zaidi
Zafar Zaidi attends Edison Intermediate School in Westfield, New Jersey. His project, a published children’s book intended for young readers aged 3 to 7, is entitled Little George, Big Dreams. The book details George Washington’s childhood and hopes to inspire readers with his legacy and the power of dreams. He researched the book entirely on his own, relying on his younger sister and cousins to ensure that the vocabulary and subject matter were accessible to his target audience. Zafar reached out to Mary McCabe, the principal of his alma mater, McKinley Elementary School, while working on the book. She ensured that the book was included in every classroom and in the school library as a learning resource in the nonfiction reading unit. Zafar has been awarded a $1,000 prize and a family membership to Mount Vernon.
Zafar’s former principal, Mary McCabe, said, “I am very impressed by Zafar's passion for learning through reading and for his vision to share his learning with others. The McKinley School students love reading biographies about inspiring figures, and Zafar's book, Little George, Big Dreams, will be a wonderful addition to our school and classroom libraries.” She received a $500 cash award for supporting Zafar’s project, which she chose to give to McKinley Elementary School.
Read more about Zafar Zaidi and his project.
Each year, Mount Vernon’s Student Advisory Board helps select the Student of the Year Award recipients. Composed of exceptional high school students, the board collaborates with Mount Vernon to shape educational experiences, assess programming, and develop innovative new projects.
Branson Chi, a recent graduate of Battlefield High School and a member of the 2024–2025 Mount Vernon Student Advisory Board, said, “As the first President of the United States and one of the most important figures of our beloved nation, George Washington has been solidified as one of history's most inspiring and cherished leaders. The Student of the Year Award allows students to learn about his leadership firsthand, and potentially even demonstrate their own in their project, integrating their own unique perspectives into history. As a former member of the Mount Vernon Student Advisory Board, I have had the pleasure and great honor to witness George Washington’s influence and legacy firsthand, and it has made me realize that it’s important to take it upon yourself to bring good to the world and become the leader that you looked up to.”
Learn more about the Mount Vernon Student of the Year Prize for Excellence in Civics and History and how to nominate a student for 2026.
Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States. The estate is open to visitors and includes the Mansion, a museum and education center, gardens, tombs, a working farm, a functioning distillery, and a gristmill. It also includes the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon.
