Three Henrico students were among the five local students who were named recipients of scholarships from Mondial Assistance, a global travel insurance and assistance company headquartered in Henrico.

Through the company's 'ScholarTrips' program, each student will receive $2,500 to attend an international study program of his or her choosing. Students will be presented with the award during a reception May 12 at the company's headquarters on North Parham Road.

The Henrico students are:

• Ashley Christiansen, a sophomore at J.R. Tucker High School, who will study abroad in Costa Rica this summer;

• Katelyn Marshall, a sophomore at J.R. Tucker High School, who intends to take Spanish immersion classes in Costa Rica this summer.

• Veronika Pogrebna, a sophomore at J.R. Tucker High School, who will attend a study abroad program in Costa Rica this summer.


"Travel and adventure are where the real learning begins,” Ansell said. “Every day Mondial Assistance is part of our customers’ travel experiences. We’re thrilled that we can support students in our community in their passion for travel.” 

As part of the scholarship award, Mondial Assistance will offer all ScholarTrips recipients insurance and access to the same 24-hour assistance hotline Mondial Assistance provides its traveling customers. The coverage will ensure that, should the students encounter any travel-related difficulty or require medical assistance, Mondial Assistance’s global network of services is there to assist them. 


Mondial Assistance selects ScholarTrips recipients based on an application process, which includes an essay portion that requires candidates to discuss their motivation to study abroad and what they expect to learn. The contest is open to students from Richmond area middle and high schools and to children and grandchildren of Mondial Assistance associates enrolled in middle or high school. For details, visit http://www.scholartrips.org