Richard Osman III

Scholarships won: Beekhius Scholarship, Ken Cicerale Memorial Music Scholarship, Jon & Louise Maslin Scholarship 

Concord High School graduate Richard Osman III of Wilmington is passionate about music, schooling and volunteering. With the help of three DCF scholarships, Osman is preparing for a career focused on sharing those passions with others.  

A talented performer, Osman sings, acts, and plays the violin, viola, and piano. When not on stage, Osman says he is a “huge nerd” who enjoys being in a classroom learning. AP Physics was his favorite class because it taught him how to problem solve and use resources to accomplish his goals. After four years, he accomplished his ultimate goal: valedictorian of his class at Concord High School. Osman also volunteered more than 100 hours in his community and was awarded the Presidential Volunteer Award. 

The next step for Osman is Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. There, he plans to study music theater and music education. A future goal is to spread his knowledge and passion of music and theater to youth through Broadway.  

“Broadway shows always include important motifs that carry strong meanings. With my education, I can convey these important stories, help educate the youth and assist with their music endeavors,” Osman said. “The scholarships I received from the DCF will allow me to leave college with minimal debt so I can focus on my craft post-graduation.”

Prabh Kaur

Scholarships won: Dr. Jill Biden Scholarship, Margaret L. Richey Scholarship, Sussex Foundation Scholarship  

Even in 5th grade, Seaford native Prabh Kaur dreamt of attending the University of Pennsylvania. This year, her dream is becoming a reality, thanks to years of Kaur’s hard work on her academics and the support of numerous scholarships, including several from the DCF.  

Encouraged by her parents, who immigrated to the United States from India and did not have the opportunity to attend college themselves, Kaur worked hard in high school at Sussex Academy. She participated in many activities, including TeenSHARP – a program that helps Black, Latino and low-income students prepare for top colleges – and the DCF’s Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB). Through the YPB, Kaur learned about DCF scholarships. 

During her senior year, UPenn sent her their decision and out of the envelope spilled red and blue confetti with “CONGRATULATIONS” in caps across the top. Kaur had been accepted into her dream school. Kaur soon after learned of her scholarship awards as well.  

Now, Kaur will begin working toward her next dream: opening her own OB-GYN practice in Sussex County and starting a scholarship fund for high schoolers just like her. 

“The DCF’s investment in my education is making it possible for me to pursue my undergrad education at my dream institution,” Kaur said. “I hope I can make an impact in the lives of other young people like the DCF has in mine.” 

Nora Charles

Kent County resident Nora Charles wants to be a trendsetter and a role model. DCF scholarships are helping her pursue her goals of becoming a software engineer and encouraging other young women to enter STEM fields. 

While she was a student at Smyrna High School, Charles served as historian for the National Honor Society, volunteered with the track and field team, and participated in the Student Government Association and the Black Student Union.  

All her accomplishments in high school have led her to the University of Delaware, where she will be an honors student studying engineering.  

“With the scholarships from the DCF, I will be able to achieve higher education with one less obstacle in the way of my journey,” Charles said. “These scholarships also motivate me to continue to strive to achieve my dreams and aspirations. I now have individuals and organizations who invested in my future and want to see me reach my goals, so working hard from here on out is inevitable.” 

Establish a Scholarship

Donors, learn how you can establish a scholarship fund at the DCF to build opportunity for students in the future.