June 30, 2024 Lingiam Odems Jr Music in Mississippi Memorial Fund Wraps Up Five-Year Financial Gift

The Astonishing Expectations Foundation provided its fifth annual Lingiam Odems Jr Music in Mississippi Memorial Fund financial gift to the Lanier High School Band to assist students who do not have resources to purchase band instruments or uniforms.   The Fund hopes to make a difference in the lives of teenagers and young adults who have dreams and goals and can benefit from the knowledge that someone believes in those dreams and is cheering them on from afar.  The school’s Principal, Dr. Valerie Bradley, stated, “We are in awe of your support, commitment, and dedication when it comes to Lanier, our students, and the band program.  I am especially humbled at the way that you continue to keep Mr Odems’ memories and love for the band at the forefront."

Lingiam Odems Jr, in whose honor this fund was established, was a native of Jackson, MS.  Mr. Odems attended Lanier High School in 1967-1968 and was a proud high school band member.  That band experience cemented his life-long love and appreciation for all types of music.  He often credited music for keeping energy, hope, love, and determination in his life. Though Mr. Odems left Mississippi to serve a Military career and settle in Virginia, he always felt a strong connection to his roots in Jackson.  In 2018, he brought his adult sons to Jackson to share his heritage and show them the “2 miles he walked” daily from his home on W Ridgeway to Lanier High School.  Before his early passing, Mr. Odems had begun plans for retirement.  He was committed to reaching back to the South to work on the long-standing challenges of racial injustice, poverty, hunger, and other challenges that get in the way of promising young men and women who are working on their dreams.

This year, the Lanier High School Band Booster Club received a $4000 gift. This gift is the result of donations from Lingiam’s family, friends, and colleagues. It is the final donation for the five-year commitment made after Lingiam’s passing.

Astonishing Expectations Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity committed to creating a world where young people with big dreams may thrive. The foundation's primary purpose is to raise society's expectations for young individuals with physical, financial, or personal challenges and the expectations that those individuals have for themselves.

Three graduating Prince William County high school students will head to Northern Virginia Community College this fall, with the Astonishing Expectations Foundation providing financial assistance and cheering them on! These students, who are on the Autism Spectrum, will pursue careers in Medical Science, Childhood Development, and Cybersecurity/Engineering.  The Astonishing Expectations Foundation is excited to be part of their educational journey!

Applications for the Fall 2025 will be available in April 2025.

The Woodbridge Rotary Club, a dynamic service organization, meets weekly at Harbour Grille. Their mission is to promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. These local leaders invest in the future of young adults in Prince William County through their Service Above Self Scholarship Award.

To expand the conversation regarding the commitment to college-bound young adults, the club invited Michele Odems of the Astonishing Expectations Foundation to share the history and goals of the H. Wayne Bowman Astonishing Expectations Scholarship. This scholarship provides funds for tuition and books to graduating high school seniors in Prince William County who are on the Autism Spectrum and planning to attend Northern Virginia Community College.

Nearly everyone in the room had a friend or family member with a child on the Autism Spectrum, highlighting how important it is to focus on these students' futures. The H. Wayne Bowman Astonishing Expectations Scholarship is designed not only to provide financial assistance but also to let young adults on the Spectrum know that there is someone else, outside of their family, who believes in them and is cheering them on as they start out on their career path.

We are pleased to announce that the H. Wayne Bowman Astonishing Expectations Scholarship has been awarded to two Prince William County students this year.  We are happy to provide financial support to Nathaniel P. and Nolan D. as they head to Northern Virginia Community College this fall.  Both students will receive funds to cover their tuition and a stipend for books.  

We will be cheering these two young men as they take the next step in their educational journey toward careers that they are passionate about.

Applications for the Fall 2024 will be available in April 2024.  

In honor of National Autism Awareness Day, the Astonishing Expectations Foundation is pleased to announce that the application process for 2023 H. Wayne Bowman Astonishing Expectations Scholarship is now open.  This scholarship provides funds for a graduating high school student in Prince William County, VA to attend Northern Virginia Community College.  The scholarship will be awarded for use in the Fall 2023 semester.  

Scholarship criteria and guidelines can be found at https://astonishingexpectations.org/scholarships-and-funds

Applicants can apply online at https://form.jotform.com/23022537931104

The Astonishing Expectations Foundation LLC is formed with the goal of making a difference in the lives of young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome.  The foundation has established the H. Wayne Bowman Astonishing Expectations Scholarship to provide funds for a graduating high school student in Prince William County, VA to attend Northern Virginia Community College.  The first scholarship will be awarded for use in the Fall 2017 semester.  Applications for the scholarship will be available online in January 2017.