Lightning struck twice for Kate Assad on May 18 as the Freedom HS senior learned she was the recipient of two college scholarships totaling $16,850. Assad, who will attend King’s College and to enroll in the five-year physician assistant program, is receiving a Roland J. Wotring Scholarship in the amount of $11,850 and a VRX Foundation Scholarship in the amount of $5,000.

The Shah family, father Rich, mother Kay and son Shay, who are founders of the nonprofit VRX Foundation, attended to present Assad her scholarship award. Assad’s father Abe and brother John joined her for the presentation.

In its 5 years the Foundation has awarded $103,000 through 24 scholarships, with $40,000 being granted in 2026 to 8 senior recipients at schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Seventy-seven scholarship application essays were received in 2026.

The Shah’s motivation to create the scholarship fund is borne out of life experiences in which they faced “financial hardship, racism and adversity firsthand.” Turning to music they have built a successful side DJ business with Rich billed as dj VegasRich, the proceeds from which are used to fund the foundation. Two Shah children also received all 12 years of their schooling in the BASD.

Rich Shah also presented Assad with a copy of “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki and pledged that he would be just a phone call away should she ever have a need for financial advice. He operates Capital Edge Insurance and Financial Services, an independent agency offering holistic financial planning.

As the scholarship recipient Assad said she was “genuinely overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. It’s so surreal.”