THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE DAN RIVER REGION has awarded over $55,000 in scholarships to 29 area students. Presentations were recently made from 12 different scholarship funds within THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE DAN RIVER REGION .

The Danville Academic Boosters Scholarship was awarded to the top five scholastic students in Danville Public Schools – Stephanie Shelton, Jennifer Broughton, John Waggoner, Joseph Mier and Leslie Kleinfelter.

Two students received scholarships from the John R. and Betty B. Eggleston Scholarship Fund, established in memory of Dr. and Mrs. Eggleston in 2002. Ricky Adkins, a Dan River High School senior, received $350 to attend Elon University. Tonya Pruitt, a Tunstall High senior, received $350 to attend Virginia Tech.

Two area students received a scholarship from the Roy G. and Joan F. Gignac Scholarship. The scholarship was created in 2000 to benefit area students who may attend the Illinois Institute of Technology or pursue technical disciplines. Jennifer L. Gambrell received $13,000 to continue her education at Virginia Tech. Sayiddah McCree, a George Washington High School senior, received $15,000 to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology. McCree’s scholarship is renewable through a Master’s Degree.

The Stuart Harris Drama Scholarship recognizes outstanding drama students in the Danville Public Schools. Brandie Adams at George Washington High School and Andrew Dishman at Galileo Magnet School each received $650.

Two Gretna High School students received a scholarship from the John L. Hurt, Jr. Scholarship Fund. The John L. Hurt, Jr. Scholarship Fund supports students from Northern Pittsylvania County, with a preference for students who have attended the John L. Hurt, Jr. Elementary School. Barrett Clements received $1,100 to attend James Madison University, while Bryan Rice received $1,100 to attend Liberty University.

Four scholarships were awarded from the Onnie H & Bertie W. Milloway Scholarship Fund. The Milloway Scholarship was established to assist area students who attend Averett University. Scholarships of $2,000 each were presented to existing Averett students Mark Hall, Teresa Roberts and Stephanie Varner. Westover Christian Academy senior Amy Alderson received $1,300.

Two area students received scholarships from the Irene L. Pritchett Scholarship, created years ago to benefit area black students. The Pritchett scholarship was transferred to THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE DAN RIVER REGION in 2001. Stephanie Berger, a Gretna senior, received $2,000 to attend the University of Virginia. Cutina Warner, a George Washington senior, received $1,000 to also attend the University of Virginia.

Three George Washington High School students received scholarships from the Alger Pugh Memorial Scholarship. The Pugh Scholarship was created in memory of Alger Pugh, GW High School football coach, after his death in 1984. The scholarship was then transferred to THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE DAN RIVER REGION and is given to deserving GW athletes. David Divine received $1,000 to attend Shenandoah University. Phillip Hayes, Jr. and Brandon Owen each received $1,250 to attend Norfolk State University and Ferrum College, respectively.

The Percy and Velna Scearce Scholarship was created in 2001 to benefit area students. Caroline Shelhorse, a senior at George Washington High School, received a $1,100 scholarship to attend the University of Virginia.

Two scholarships of $500 each were presented from the Spiros Skenderis Memorial Scholarship Fund, which was created by the Danville Bar Association in memory of Judge Spiros Skenderis. Judge Skenderis served as a compassionate judge of the Danville Juvenile and Domestic Relations District for 19 years. Jet’aime Ford is graduating from Chatham High School and plans to attend Liberty University. Jessica Garcia will be a graduate of Dan River High School and plans to attend Virginia Commonwealth University.

Three scholarships of $1,225 were awarded from the Louise P. Surles Scholarship Fund. The Surles Scholarship supports area students who attend the University of Virginia. The scholarship was presented to Lindsay Blanks, a Gretna High School senior, and Caroline Shelhorse and Stephanie Shelton, George Washington High School seniors.

One George Washington High School student received a scholarship of $2,000 from the Andy Warren Memorial Scholarship. The Warren Scholarship was created in memory of GW High School assistant football coach. The scholarship was recently transferred to THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE DAN RIVER REGION and is given to deserving GW athletes. Brandon Owen will attend Ferrum College.

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE DAN RIVER REGION is a public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of civic leaders. The Foundation strives to meet a wide variety of social, educational, cultural and other charitable needs in the Martinsville-Henry/County to South Boston/Halifax County, including the neighboring North Carolina counties, as well as Southern Virginia and Northern North Carolina.