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What began as an afternoon presentation about a college scholarship became something far more electric Friday at Alexandria City High School's Minnie Howard Campus — the moment two seniors realized the opportunity being described was already theirs.
Mohammad Elyas Noorzai and Zhi McMillan each received the Amazon Future Engineers Scholarship, earning up to $40,000 and a guaranteed paid summer internship with one of the world's largest technology companies, in a surprise announcement before roughly 50 classmates, family members, and Alexandria City Public Schools staff.
The reveal came from an unlikely messenger. Sai Hruthika Naraharisetti, a University of Maryland senior who received the same scholarship in 2022 and will join Amazon full-time as a software engineer in Seattle after graduation this spring, had spent nearly 20 minutes walking the room through the program's details — eligibility requirements, internship rotations, application tips — before pausing to drop the news.
"Let me tell you guys the real reason why I'm actually here today," she told the room. "We had two winners in the room today."
For Noorzai, the moment was equal parts shock and disbelief. His teacher had simply told his class there was an event downstairs. He had no idea what was waiting.
"Once I saw the board with the Amazon Future Engineer logo and everything, I remembered that I applied to the scholarship," he told The Alexandria Brief shortly after the announcement. "And they announced that there are two winners. I was really nervous. Shocked."
He had applied about two to three months ago — and had not seen his father, Yaha Noorzai, slip into the room behind him. Not until a box was placed in his hands.
Noorzai, who arrived in the United States from Afghanistan in 2021, is headed to the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall to study computer science — a passion he said has been with him since childhood.
"Ever since I've been a kid, I've always been good with computers, fixing them, coding and programming," he told The Alexandria Brief. "I've developed a passion and love for programming and computer science."
His gratitude extended to the people who helped him get there. "I just wanted to thank Amazon for giving me this opportunity. I'm grateful for all the people that have been with me along the way — my parents, my teachers, my counselor." He singled out his computer science teacher, Mr. Johnson, and his school counselor, Ms. West. "She's supported me throughout my high school."
His father, who addressed the full room during the ceremony, said he has long told his son that the quality of an education matters more than its location.
"I always advise Elias — it is very important how you are studying. The quality of study is very important," Yahya Noorzai said. "Elias came to the United States in 2021, but now I think that he, day by day, flourishes. And I am very happy."
For McMillan, the afternoon also arrived without warning.
"It's surprising, for sure," he told The Alexandria Brief. "I'm not told anything about this." He noticed something was different only when he spotted his parents walking in behind him.
McMillan, who plans to study computer science, said the scholarship opens a door he is still stepping through. "It's definitely a step forward in my life. It means that I now have a path forward to start working with computer science and computer technology. And that does mean a lot to me." He has yet to commit to a college and said the award gives him reason to reevaluate his options. He credited his parents, friends, his college advisor and a teacher, who recommended the program to him.
Michael Routhouska, ACPS executive director of school leadership, opened the ceremony by framing the scholarships in the context of the district's broader mission — and thanking Amazon for what he called a transformational investment.
"Because of partners like Amazon, our ACHS students are not only prepared for what comes next, they are empowered to lead, innovate and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond," Routhouska said.
School board Chair Michelle Rief and Vice Chair Christopher Harris were among those on hand for the announcement, along with ACHS Interim Executive Principal Lance Harrell. School counselors, whose behind-the-scenes work connecting students to the opportunity drew a public shoutout at the ceremony's close, were also recognized.
The Amazon Future Engineers Scholarship awards up to $10,000 annually — renewable for up to four years — toward an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field. Recipients must carry a minimum 2.3 GPA, demonstrate financial need and be authorized to work in the United States. Beyond the funding, winners are embedded on a software engineering team at Amazon for 12 weeks the summer after their freshman year of college, working alongside tech mentors on projects with real-world reach. According to Amazon, most interns ship production-level code before their tenure ends — and the placement can lead to up to three internships and a full-time offer.
Naraharisetti, speaking from experience, made clear the stakes extend well beyond a résumé line.
"It has been life changing," she said, "and the people that I've met through this scholarship and in this community are some of the best people ever."
As the ceremony wound down, Routhouska offered a parting challenge to both students.
"We're excited to hear you guys come back and maybe give the scholarship away to some future Titans," he said.
