The VHB Family Scholarship Program helps our employees’ children reach their higher education goals, and we’re proud to introduce this year's recipients: Kaitlyn Burres, William Gracer, Makayla Mathews, Deirbhile Nagle and Chloe Strang-Wolf.
Each student received a $5,000 scholarship through a competitive selection process run by the nonprofit Scholarship America. Recipients were chosen for their record of academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, work experience, and educational and career goals.
Over the past 20 years, VHB has awarded $214,000 in scholarships. Congratulations to our outstanding 2026 recipients!
Kaitlyn Burres
Kaitlyn is entering her first year at the University of Massachusetts Amherst this fall, where she will study psychology on the pre-medical track. Kaitlyn is a Yale University Book Award recipient, president of the Interact Club at her high school, and AP Scholar Award recipient. She volunteers at Bethany Birches Camp and is a Safe School Ambassador. She is passionate about art, particularly painting. Kaitlyn is the daughter of Jenn Conley, Director of Transportation, in our Winooski, VT office.
William Gracer
William heads to Fordham University this fall, where he will major in finance. William was named salutatorian in his graduating class, president of the Science National Honor Society, and a top 100 global finalist in the Young Investors Society Global Stock Pitch Competition. He has previously worked as a summer finance intern at MES, a cat sitter, and a piano teacher. He is passionate about jazz piano, both playing and listening. William is the son of Mike Gracer, Regional Software Engineering Lead, in our Wethersfield, CT office.
Makayla “Kiki” Mathews
Makayla, or “Kiki,” is entering her senior year at Northeastern University, where she is pursuing a degree in health science with minors in psychology and business administration on the pre-physical therapy track. Kiki is the captain and head of volunteering for the women’s club hockey team and the lead group fitness instructor for Northeastern Recreation. She loves to run, having completed the Sydney Marathon last August and the Keys 100 Mile Relay in May. Kiki is the daughter of Richard Mathews, Assistant Chief Engineer, in our Watertown, MA office.
Deirbhile Nagle
Deirbhile begins her first year in the Fordham University Honors Program this fall, where she will study sociology with a minor in peace and justice studies. She aims to attend law school and work as a criminal defense or immigration attorney. Deirbhile was captain of the varsity cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track teams and qualified for nationals in DECA, a business and marketing competition for students. She also completed a judicial internship at the Worcester County Superior Court and received the Dartmouth Book Award. Deirbhile is the daughter of Conor Nagle, Senior Project Manager, in our Watertown, MA office.
Chloe Strang-Wolf
Chloe is entering her third year at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, majoring in operations and information management. She earned the UMass Chancellor’s Award, recognizing her academic commitment and leadership potential. She is involved in the Isenberg Operations and Information Management (OIM) Club, Women in Business, and the Excel Club. Chloe enjoys going to the beach, spending time with her dog, and working on creative projects like sewing and painting. Chloe is the daughter of Leanne Hoffman, Senior Project Manager, in our Manasquan, NJ office.
We’re excited and proud to celebrate the talented 2026 recipients and the bright futures ahead of them! Learn more about various VHB benefits.
