Community Foundation awards surprise grant to Danville Public Library at Legacy Society Reception

DANVILLE, VA- A surprise grant of $3,000 was awarded to the Danville Public Library by The Community Foundation of the Dan River at a June 15 Legacy Society Reception at the Foundation office. The grant is in honor of the Foundation’s 20th anniversary and will be used to make reading materials available to children in our community and to foster a culture around reading.

“The Board of The Community Foundation search for a way to give several small grants across our region which could have broad impact. We could find no better project than to support summer reading programs at all the area libraries,” said Debra L. Dodson, Executive Director. Four grants totaling $12,000 were awarded to libraries in Pittsylvania County, Caswell County, Halifax-South Boston and Danville.

Donors, organizations or businesses may start their own endowment funds for as little as $10,000 and scholarships for $25,000. Once a fund is established anyone can make designated gifts to that fund.

The Legacy Society is a way for The Community Foundation to honor those who have made a lasting commitment to the Dan River Region. Individuals who designate a gift to The Community Foundation through a will, trust, retirement plan beneficiary or other planned gift are invited to join the Legacy Society.

Online grant applications for 501c3 community agencies in Danville-Pittsylvania-Caswell County are now open at www.cfdrr.org with a July 28 deadline. The next scholarship application cycle will begin January 1, 2018 and will also be available at www.cfdrr.org.

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area. The Community Foundation is a public charity with total assets exceeding $32 million.

For more information, contact the Foundation office at 434-793-0884 or visit www.cfdrr.org

 

Debra Dodson, Executive Director of The Community Foundation, presents a grant of $3,000 for summer reading programs to Joe Zappacosta, Director of the Danville Public Library

Community Foundation awards 100 Scholarships totaling more than $195,000 to area students

DANVILLE,VA – The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region has awarded 100 scholarships totaling more than $195,000 to area students. Presentations from 46 different scholarship funds within The Community Foundation were made at a scholarship reception held June 11, 2017 at The Community Center in Chatham. The Community Foundation has awarded 950 scholarships totaling more than $2 million since its beginning in 1996.

The Adkerson-Dodson Special Education Scholarship was established in 2012 in memory of Elsie Carolyn Adkerson and in memory of Robert Edward Adkerson and Elsie Herndon Adkerson. The scholarship supports deserving Danville/Pittsylvania residents who have a need for financial support and who are pursuing an undergraduate degree or licensure in special education. Katherine Johnson (Averett University) received $800.

The William E. Barr Scholarship was established in 2013 in memory of William E. Barr. The scholarship supports Danville – Pittsylvania County graduates attending Hampden-Sydney College. Nicholas Collins (Hampden-Sydney College) received $1,100.

The Bennett-Bushnell-Jones-Kaufmann Scholarship was established in 2008 to provide scholarships to second-year nursing students at Danville Community College. Two scholarships of $850 each were awarded to Brittany Hopkins (Danville Community College) and Missy Tipton (Danville Community College).

The Deputy Frankie Lynn Betterton Scholarship was established in 2012 in memory of Deputy Sherriff Frankie Lynn Betterton who was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on May 17, 2002. The scholarship is for Danville/Pittsylvania residents who have a financial need and who are pursuing a law enforcement career. Jacob Reynolds (Tunstall High School) received $700.

The James W. Bryant, Sr. and James T. Collie Scholarship was established in 2005 by a retired school teacher. The scholarship is for Pittsylvania County Public Schools graduates, with a preference for those pursuing education or nursing. Three scholarships of $2,300 each were awarded to Veronica Berrios (Chatham High School), Erika Dodson (James Madison University), and Katie Loomis (Tunstall High School).

The Bernard C. Calvert Scholarship was established in 2004 by the Brosville Council #51 of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. The scholarship is restricted to Tunstall High School graduates, preferably students who attended either Brosville or Stony Mill Schools. Lauren Yoder (Campbell University) received $1,700.

The John Watson Daniel Scholarship was established by the JWD Retirement Club in 1997. A scholarship in the amount of $850 was presented to Bailey Gray (North Carolina State University).

The Steven Bruce Daniels, Jr. Scholarship was established in 2014 in memory of Steven Bruce Daniels, Jr. This scholarship is for Danville, Pittsylvania or Caswell county graduates attending either NC State University or Virginia Tech and plans for studying in the field of agriculture (primary) or with a high school varsity athletics background (secondary). Brent Jones (North Carolina State University) and Macon Maxey (Chatham High School) each received $5,000.

The Danville Academic Boosters Club Scholarship is awarded to the top five scholastic students in the Danville Public School system. The following students received scholarships – Joshua Buckley (Galileo Magnet High School), Karen Delgado (Galileo Magnet High School), Makeda Warner (Galileo Magnet High School), Catherine Newell (George Washington High School) and Jake Gilstrap (George Washington High School).

The Danville Lions Foundation was established in 2016 to provide scholarships to Danville- Pittsylvania and Caswell County high school graduates who are pursuing a health related profession with a preference for those in a graduate level of study, especially those studying sight and speech/hearing professions. Two scholarships of $3,650 each were awarded to Tanner Cooke (Liberty University) and Mason Moorefield (Longwood University).

The Danville Regional Medical Center Auxiliary/Volunteers Scholarship was established in 2007 for Danville Regional Medical Center employees, volunteers and their immediate families, who are studying a medical field. Eight scholarships of $1,100 each were awarded to Hao Da (Johns Hopkins University), Hannah Dewberry (Campbell University), Tiara Hairston (George Washington High School), Chrisha Llana (Danville Community College), Elizabeth McBride (Averett University), Hunter Reese (Longwood University), Brianna Ryan (Lynchburg College), Dannon Wilson (University of Virginia).

The Roy L. and Mary G. Doss Scholarship was established in 2010 to benefit graduating seniors of Danville or Pittsylvania County. The following students received $5,500 each – Christene Buchanan (University of Virginia), Joshua Buckley (Galileo Magnet High School), Domitilo Gomez (University of Virginia), Danielle Jeffers (Virginia Tech), Jonathan McCain (UNC Chapel Hill), Dylan Mitchell (Liberty University), Morgan Mitchell (Galileo Magnet High School), Natalie Nicholson (University of Virginia), Fabian Shelton (George Washington High School), and Makeda Warner (Galileo Magnet High School).

The Susan L. Edwards Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Susan L. Edwards in 2012. The scholarship is awarded to students pursuing the field of radiologic technology. Frankie-Lynn Yates (DRMC School of Health Professions) received $950.

One student received the John R. and Betty B. Eggleston Scholarship, established in memory of Dr. and Mrs. Eggleston in 2002. The scholarship was presented to Kiara Bradner (Bartlett Yancey High School) in the amount of $800.

The First Responder-Hero Education Scholarship was established in 2013 to provide scholarships for Danville-Pittsylvania-Caswell County

High School graduates whose parents are armed force members or veterans, law enforcement officers, or fulltime or volunteer firefighters, with a preference for graduates whose parents were killed or wounded while performing their duties. Dylan Haley (Tunstall High School) received $1,500.

The Margaret Spruce Floyd Scholarship was established in memory of Mrs. Floyd and transferred to The Community Foundation in 2003. The
scholarship is awarded to female high school students from Pittsylvania County. Amber Huggins (James Madison University) received $2,000.

The GW Class of 1957 Scholarship was established in 2007 to benefit George Washington High School students. The Class of 1957 created the scholarship for their 50th High School Reunion. Nautyka Moore (George Washington High School) received $1,700.

The Gantsoudes Scholarship was established in 2008 to benefit George Washington High School students attending college in Virginia or North Carolina. Steven Black (Washington & Lee University) received $1,750.

The Roy G. and Joan F. Gignac Scholarship was created in 2000 to benefit area students who may attend the Illinois Institute of Technology or pursue technical disciplines. Scholarships were awarded to Landon Holley (Virginia Tech), Joseph Snead (Virginia Tech), Erica Watson (North Carolina State University), and Roman West (George Washington High School) each received $4,000.

The Diane Marie Gross Scholarship was established with The Community Foundation in 2013. The scholarship is for Danville graduates attending Washington and Lee University or the College of William and Mary. Katie Van Der Hyde (College of William and Mary) received $900.

The John B. Grubb Scholarship was established in 2007 in memory of Mr. Grubb to benefit Danville and Pittsylvania County Public School graduates. LeNae Wilson (Gretna High School) received $900.

The Gail and Walter Gunn Scholarship was established in 2015. The scholarship is for local African American students with a preference for those studying business or with an entrepreneurial interest. Shay Jeffers (Bartlett Yancey High School) received $700.

The Ray M. Harris Scholarship was created in memory of Mr. Harris and transferred to The Community Foundation in 2004. The scholarship gives primary consideration to Pittsylvania County High School graduates. Rebecca Andrews (Gretna High School) and Jalil Johnson (Gretna High School) each received $2,000.

The Stuart Harris Drama Scholarship recognizes outstanding drama students in the Danville Public Schools. Caroline Tucker (Queens University) received $1,100.

The Douglas Sager Hayes and Mildred “Mickey” Hayes Scholarship was established in 2013 to provide scholarships for Danville-Pittsylvania graduates studying art. Daquon Crews (Gretna High School), Megan Lester (Chatham High School), and Harper Scollo (Averett University) each received $1,600.

The Eliza Patterson Hines Memorial Scholarship was established in 2014 to support local graduates pursuing a career in teaching, preferably in grades 1-7. Katherine Johnson (Averett University) received $1,400.

The Hokie Bird Scholarship was established in 2013 to support Danville-Pittsylvania County graduates attending Virginia Tech. Michael Adkins (Virginia Tech) received $1,400.

The John L. Hurt, Jr. Scholarship supports students from Gretna High School, with a preference for students who have attended the John L. Hurt, Jr. Elementary School. Ethan Barnes (Virginia Tech) received $2,100.

The Robert and Bernice Milam Scholarship was transferred to the foundation in 2010 from Third Avenue Congregational Christian Church to benefit its active members. Abigail Davis (Danville Community College), Caroline Davis (Danville Community College), Tyler Martin (Danville Community College) each received $1,200. Lauren Johnson (North Carolina State University) and Noah Mayhew (Liberty University) each received $1,800.

Two scholarships totaling $5,400 were awarded from the Onnie H. & Bertie W. Milloway Scholarship to assist area students who attend Averett University. Scholarships were presented to current Averett students Phillip Ashby, and Bethany Hall.

The Patrick H. Musick Scholarship was established to provide funding for deserving Averett University students who have a tennis-playing background. Angelica Orlikowski (Averett University) was awarded $990.

The North Main Baptist Church Scholarship was established in 2016 for students who have been members of North Main Baptist Church for a minimum of one year. With a preference for those who are studying or plan to enter ministry-related fields, and have actively participated in North Main Baptist Church or college related ministries. Kyle Bailey (Tunstall High School) and Meagan Puckett (Chatham High School) each received $1,100.

The Arnold B. Porter & Elizabeth J. Porter Scholarship was established in 2006 for students who are members of Fairview United Methodist Church. Anna Brooks (Tunstall High School) and Peyton Chattin (Ferrum College) each received $1,600.

The Elizabeth Whitlow Ruth Price R.N. Whitlow Family Nursing Scholarship was established in 2016 to support graduates of Bartlett Yancey High School who are pursing nursing or health related professions at an associate, bachelors, or graduate degree level of study. Jessica Long (Averett University) was awarded $3,100.

The Irene L. Pritchett Scholarship was created years ago to benefit area African-American students. The Pritchett scholarship was transferred to The Community Foundation in 2001. Sierra Gray (George Washington High School), and Taliyah Thompson (Chatham High School) were each awarded $1,750.

The Alger Pugh Memorial 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 and is given to deserving GW athletes, with a preference to GW Football players. Will Byrnes, Jake Gilstrap, and Isaac Whitfield (George Washington High School) each received $1,200.

Seven Gretna High School seniors were awarded $850 each from the Richard Ramsey Scholarship. The Scholarship was created in memory of Mr. Ramsey, a Gretna High School teacher, many years ago and transferred to The Community Foundation in 2010. This scholarship was created to benefit Gretna High School students. The recipients are Hunter Cline, Daquon Crews, Mitchell Doss, Jalil Johnson, Zachary McGill, Tyleka Robertson, and LeNae Wilson.

The Riddle-Francis Scholarship, which was created in 2005 by a former teacher to benefit Pittsylvania County students, with a preference for Tunstall and Dan River students. Haley Hall (North Carolina State University) received $800, John Oakes (Tunstall High School) received $800, and Samantha Shelton (Radford University) received $1,000.

The Rotary Club of Yanceyville Scholarship was established in 2013 by the Rotary Club of Yanceyville for graduates of Bartlett Yancey High School. James Blalock (North Carolina State University) received $1,200.

The Percy and Velna Scearce Scholarship was created in 2001 to benefit area students. Veronica Berrios (Chatham High School), and Dylan Mitchell (Liberty University) each received $800.

The Spiros Skenderis Memorial Scholarship 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. A $3,150 scholarship was awarded to Trey Alvelo (Hargrave Military Academy).

The Eileen and Joseph Stendig Scholarship was created in 2005 to benefit area students. Karen Delgado (Galileo Magnet High School) was awarded $2,200, and MiKah Griffin (George Washington High School) was awarded $1,500.

The Louise P. Surles Scholarship supports area students who attend the University of Virginia. Benjamin Donahue (Tunstall High School) and Megan Wyatt (Tunstall High School) were each awarded $1,000.

The Florence P. Wagner and Jennie Lee Wagner Scholarship was established in 2008 to provide scholarships to Pittsylvania County high school graduates. Kayla Hill (Bridgewater College) was awarded $1,350.

The Andy Warren Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of GW High School assistant football coach and is given to deserving GW athletes. Will Byrnes, Jake Gilstrap, and Isaac Whitfield (George Washington High School) each were awarded $1,250.

The Woodlawn Academy Scholarship was established in 2014 to provide scholarships for former Woodlawn Academy students and immediate family of former students. Samuel Nicholson (Chatham High School) received $2,000 and Lauren Oakes (James Madison University) received $1,950.

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is a fully tax-exempt organization. Individuals or businesses may establish their own endowment or scholarship fund or may contribute any amount to existing funds. For more information, contact Debra L. Dodson at 541 Loyal Street, Danville, VA, 24541, (434) 793-0884, visit their web site www.cfdrr.org, or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

 

June 2017 E-Newsletter