E. C. Glass High School 12th grader Enzo Wagner Zechin was announced as the winner of the Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) Education Foundation’s prestigious Excellence in Science scholarship at the school board meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The $16,000 scholarship, awarded annually to one outstanding senior interested in entering a science-related field, will support Wagner Zechin as he studies medicine at the University of Virginia to become an orthopedic surgeon.
“It is my privilege to announce that Enzo Wagner Zechin is the 2026 LCS Excellence in Science Scholarship recipient,” said LCS Education Foundation Executive Director Dawn Wise. “Enzo’s passion and aptitude for medicine, service, and helping others have defined his high school career. I know he will achieve amazing things in college and beyond.”
Wagner Zechin, a student at the rigorous Lynchburg Regional Governor’s STEM Academy, is a top academic performer who has devoted himself to preparing for his future career in orthopedic surgery. He’s completed multiple hospital internships, shadowed psychiatrists, and completed more than 100 total hours observing doctors and nurses at Lynchburg General Hospital and OrthoVirginia.
Wagner Zechin also participates in a wide range of extracurricular activities. He serves as an E. C. Glass cross-country team captain and the vice president of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Club.
In addition to his impressive academic and extracurricular achievements, Wagner Zechin demonstrates a strong sense of empathy and compassion for others. According to Wise, his interest in medicine is driven by a desire to help people.
“What truly set Enzo apart was not simply his impressive resume, grades, or accomplishments. It was the heart behind them,” Wise said. “I have no doubt that he will not only become an exceptional physician, but the kind of doctor people remember—for the way he cared for them when they needed it most.”
He immigrated to the U.S. from Brazil at ten years old. After becoming an orthopedic surgeon, he plans to return to Brazil and help underserved communities that lack access to medical care.
This LCS scholarship, founded in 2013 by the family of Dr. Charles and Mary Jane Pryor, is awarded each year to one outstanding 12th grader interested in pursuing a career in STEM. It is funded by Dr. Charles and Mary Jane Pryor, BWX Technologies, Inc., and Sharon Ainslie. The LCS Education Foundation serves as the fiscal agent and facilitator.
