Jonathan Michael Jex-Blake Forde, a Vienna resident, was a long-time participant in a variety of VYI sports and particularly enjoyed Lacrosse, which he played at Gonzaga College High School. After high school and college, Jonathan was a combat engineer with the Virginia National Guard and was in training for his second tour in Iraq when he died unexpectedly of meningitis. Jonathan was an accomplished athlete in high school. In the military he was a steadfast soldier who led his troops with courage and fortitude. Jonathan led by example. To his friends he was humble, kind and selfless. He had a big heart and he always gave all he had in every situation. Jonathan had a wonderful sense of humor and the gift to make people laugh. He had a positive attitude, even in the darkest moments, and he served his country with great honor. VYI is pleased make this award annually to the graduating varsity athlete, who most exemplifies the positive characteristics displayed by Jonathan during his short lifetime.

Applicants for the Jonathan Forde Leadership Award should Register for the Scholarship (add link) and submit all required materials by the application deadline for the VYI Scholarship. The same prerequisites set forth on the VYI WEB site for the standard VYI scholarships will be used with particular emphasis given to information that reflects that the applicant embodies some of Jonathan's most memorable traits.

---The 2025 Jonathan Forde Leadership Award winner is Nora Thurman from Oakton High School. --- Congratulations!

PAST WINNERS

2008 - Jennifer Crumley, James Madison High School

2009 - Edward F. Reed II, South Lakes High School

2010 - Stephanie Jemison Zadora, Oakton High School

2011 - Justin Murphy, The Landon School

2012 - Kellen Schmitz, James Madison High School

2013 - Matt Hayden, James Madison High School

2014 - Tori Anderson, Oakton High School

2015 - Benjamin Forde, Gonzaga College High School

2016 - Ryan Partridge, James Madison High School

2017 - Nick Yano, Gonzaga College High School

2018 - Boman Raskin, George C. Marshall High School

2019 - Harrison Sousa, Gonzaga College High School

2020 - Giovanna D'Angelo, Flint Hill School

2021 - Cameron Counts, James Madison High School

2022 - Samantha Tadle, James Madison High School

2023 - Luke Hanzlik, George C. Marshall High School

2024 - Collin Bell, George C. Marshall High School