Norfolk Southern’s Thoroughbred Scholars program, which provides college scholarships to more than 100 children of employees annually, has recognized Faustina Barcena as one of its distinguished scholars this year.

Faustina, of Norcross, Georgia, was honored as this year’s Community Scholar for her community leadership and volunteer work. She plans to study neuroscience and behavior at the University of Notre Dame. Her father, Frank Barcena, is an assistant project manager in Norfolk Southern’s Information Technology department.

The Barcena family lives by the belief in trusting oneself and using personal gifts to help others. Growing up in a multigenerational household with her parents, three siblings, and grandmother, Faustina developed a strong sense of family and community.

A longtime Girl Scouts member, Faustina has received many accolades for her community involvement, including the Gold Award for her work with Annandale Village, a community for adults with developmental disabilities.

Years of participation in various sports fueled Faustina’s interest in the human body—particularly the connection between the body and mind—which led her to pursue studies in neuroscience and behavior.

Since its inception in 2022, the Thoroughbred Scholars Program has awarded over $1.4 million in scholarships to team members' children. The program annually provides 100 scholarships for up to $10,000 over four years, with three additional scholarships for distinguished students, who  receive up to $40,000 over four years.

For more information about Norfolk Southern’s Thoroughbred Scholars Program and this year’s recipients, click here.