The 4th Annual Privilege Awards and Community Recognition Celebration

Paying It Forward

On April 27, 2025, the Bernie L. Bates Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the George Mason University College of Science, hosted the 4th Annual Privilege Awards and Community Recognition Celebration at the elegant Country Club of Fairfax. This cherished event shines a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of volunteers from various service-oriented organizations dedicated to supporting the Fairfax County community. These selfless individuals embody the spirit of compassion and service, reflecting the legacy of the late Colonel (Retired) Marion L. “Barney” Barnwell, a former “Lord Fairfax” honoree. With approximately ten members of the Barnwell family in attendance, the celebration stood as a heartfelt tribute to Barney’s enduring commitment to service and his “Pay it Forward” philosophy.

The festivities began with the presentation of the “President Emeritus” honor to Jerry Hubbard, the first president of the Bernie L. Bates Foundation. Accepting the award on behalf of his sons, Jerry Jr. and Kenneth, along with two grandsons, the Hubbard family also generously donated $1,000 to support the foundation’s mission.

The evening continued with a lively reception, highlighting the remarkable achievements of twelve “Pay it Forward” honorees who tirelessly represent the ten organizations they serve. These include the Gum Springs Historical Museum, the Religious Support Office at Fort Belvoir, Baby Scientist, Inc., The Lamb Center, Walt Whitman Family Food Bank, and Path Homeless Outreach—each representing the heart of community service and transforming countless lives.

As the George Mason University Jazz Trio provided a delightful musical backdrop, attendees engaged in meaningful conversations, sharing insights and forging connections to further their collective mission of service within Fairfax County. Among the esteemed honorees, Dr. Kristy McDowell of Baby Scientist, Inc., was chosen as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Bernie L. Bates Foundation President’s Privilege Award. Dr. McDowell has dedicated over five years to serving youth in Fairfax County and beyond, demonstrating exemplary leadership and compassion in STEM education.

Baby Scientist, Inc. conducts STEM workshops and camps in local communities, partnering with community centers, churches, schools, libraries, and family shelters. The organization engages students in hands-on scientific experiments, using real laboratory equipment and prioritizing exposure to relatable scientists to inspire growth and confidence.

Dr. McDowell, from Norman, Oklahoma, holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and Afro and African American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Meharry Medical College in 2007. She currently teaches General Biology and Microbiology at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) across multiple campuses. Since founding Baby Scientist, Inc. in 2018, the program has expanded from serving 100 students to over 10,000, with 9,500 students enrolled last year alone, and employs six interns.

The celebration was further enriched by a keynote address from Colonel Benjamin Allen Drew, who shared his inspiring journey to becoming an astronaut. He recounted how witnessing the moon landing and learning about Major Robert Lawrence, the first black astronaut, fueled his ambitions. Colonel Drew emphasized the importance of mentoring inner-city youth, sharing his insights into the path to success.

In 2020, he co-founded the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, which aims to provide internships for aspiring Black aerospace scholars, ensuring they gain valuable experience and competitiveness for future opportunities. This initiative continues to thrive, with an average of approximately 40 internships each summer. Colonel Drew articulated the profound rewards of volunteering, highlighting how the founders found renewed inspiration through the brilliance and determination of the next generation of black scholars in aerospace.

This celebration not only honored community members but also reinforced the shared commitment to uplifting and empowering others, exemplifying the true spirit of “Paying It Forward.”