Community Foundation Awards 111 Scholarships Totaling More Than $225,000

DANVILLE, VA- The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region has awarded 111 scholarships totaling more than $225,000 to area students. Presentations from 48 different scholarship funds within The Community Foundation were made at a scholarship reception held June 10, 2018 at The Community Center in Chatham. The Community Foundation has awarded 1,048 scholarships totaling more than $2.3 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 $925.

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. Isaac Whitfield (Hampden-Sydney College) received $1,250.

The Bennett-Bushnell-Jones-Kaufman Scholarship was established in 2008 to provide scholarships to second-year nursing students at Danville Community College. Megan Melton (Danville Community College) received $1,000 and Erica Myers (Danville Community College) received $885.

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.  Nicholas Mitchell (Chatham High School) received $1,000.

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.  Destinee Carter (Chatham High School) received $2,100, Erika Dodson (James Madison University) received $1,900, Katie Loomis (Longwood University) received $2,100, and Morgan Jones (Chatham High School) received $2,100.

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. Anna Catherine Kueng (Tunstall High School) received $1,050, and Jessica McClanahan (Averett University) received $900.

The Lawrence R. Dabbs Scholarship was established in 2017 by the estate of George Earl Dabbs who wished to create an endowed scholarship fund to benefit Caswell County high school graduates in memory of his brother, Lawrence R. Dabbs.  A scholarship in the amount of $930 was presented to Zachary Coleman (Bartlett Yancey High School).

The John Watson Daniel Scholarship was established by the JWD Retirement Club in 1997.  A scholarship in the amount of $950 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 to study in the field of agriculture (primary) or with a high school varsity athletics background (secondary). This scholarship is renewable. Brent Jones (North Carolina State University) and Macon Maxey (Virginia Tech), and Andrew Ward (Bartlett Yancey 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 – Colin Stevens (Galileo Magnet High School) received $575, Isaiah Jenkins (George Washington High School) received $475, Che-Rui Horng (George Washington High School) received $300, Carter Light (George Washington High School) received $250 and Samantha Mills (George Washington High School) received $200.

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. Tanner Cooke (Lynchburg College School of Graduate Studies) received $2,150, Kenya Elliot (Jefferson College of Health Science) received $2,250, Mason Moorefield (Longwood University) received $2,150 and Lauren Yoder (Campbell University) received $2,150.

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.  Grey Capozzoli (Tunstall High School) received $2,500, Elizabeth McBride (Jefferson College of Health Science) received $1,950, Katie Scarce (Averett University) received $2,500, Sydney Quesenberry (Chatham High School) received $1,950 and Conner Weaver (Tunstall High School) received $1,950.

The Roy L. and Mary G. Doss Scholarship was established in 2010 to benefit graduating seniors of Danville or Pittsylvania County. This scholarship is renewable. The following students received $5,500 each – Christene Buchanan (University of Virginia), Joshua Buckley (University of Virginia), Domitilo Gomez (University of Virginia), Che-Rui Horng (George Washington High School), Danielle Jeffers (Virginia Tech), Jonathan McCain (UNC Chapel Hill), Morgan Mitchell (Old Dominion University), Cameron Rigney (Tunstall High School), Fabian Shelton (Virginia Tech), and Makeda Warner (College of William & Mary).

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.  Taylor Astin (Tunstall High School) received $1,000.

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 Zachary Unger (Liberty University) in the amount of $885.

The Fairview United Methodist Church Scholarship was established in 2017 by Fairview United Methodist Church. This scholarship is awarded to students who are active members of the church. Kaitlyn Sage (Shenandoah University) received $1,180.

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 (Danville Community College) and Haley Shaffer (Salem College) each received $950.

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 $1,050 and Mary Richfield (Faith Christian Academy) received $1,100.

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. Isabele Turner (George Washington High School) received $1,935.

The Gantsoudes Scholarship was established in 2008 to benefit George Washington High School students attending college in Virginia or North Carolina.  Anna Crooks (George Washington High School) received $1,950.

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. Justin Fuller (Tunstall High School) received $3,000, Landon Holley (Virginia Tech) received $3,000, Justin McCune (George Mason University) received $3,000, Voss Neal (George Washington High School) received $3,000, Joseph Snead (Virginia Tech) received $2,500 and Shane Tu (Galileo Magnet High School) received $3,000.

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. Emma Hale (Tunstall High School) received $990.

The John B. Grubb Scholarship was established in 2007 in memory of Mr. Grubb to benefit Danville and Pittsylvania County Public School graduates. Colin Stevens (Galileo Magnet High School) received $885.

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. LaChelle Clark (Averett University) received $870.

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.  Tiesha Davis (Gretna High School), Heather Huggins (James Madison University) and Paige Perkins (Dan River High School) each received $1,495.

The Stuart Harris Drama Scholarship recognizes outstanding drama students in the Danville Public Schools. Allison Davis (Dan River High School) received $1,275.

The Douglas Sager Hayes and Mildred “Mickey” Hayes Scholarship was established in 2013 to provide scholarships for Danville-Pittsylvania graduates studying art. Sarah Hawkins (Galileo Magnet High School) received $1,650, Hannah Long (James Madison University) received $1,650, Rachel Olp (James Madison University) received $1,650 and Harper Scollo (Averett University) received $1,400.

The Eliza Patterson Hines Memorial Scholarship was established in 2014 to support local graduates pursuing a career in teaching, preferably in grades 1-7.  Rachel Barnwell (Bartlett Yancey High School) received $1,580.

The Hokie Bird Scholarship was established in 2013 to support Danville-Pittsylvania County graduates attending Virginia Tech.  Michael Adkins (Virginia Tech) received $800 and Lacey Kirby (Virginia Tech) received $1,000.

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. India Patterson (Gretna High School) and Kenna Thacker (Gretna High School) each received $1,150.

The Robert and Bernice Milam Scholarship was transferred to the foundation in 2010 from Third Avenue Congregational Christian Church to benefit its active members. Lauren Johnson (North Carolina State University) received $7,800.

The Onnie H. & Bertie W. Milloway Scholarship benefits area students who attend Averett University. Scholarships were presented to current Averett students Katelyn Dewberry received $1,990, Makenna Harris received $1,990 and John Oakes received $1,989.

The Patrick H. Musick Scholarship was established to provide funding for deserving Averett University students who have a tennis-playing background. Tyler Goad (Averett University) was awarded $1,100.

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. Kaytlin Hardy (Radford University) received $1,600.

The Arnold B. Porter & Elizabeth J. Porter Scholarship was established in 2006 for students who are members of Fairview United Methodist Church.  Anna Brooks (Virginia Tech) received $1,050, Hannah Hale (Tunstall High School) received $1,550 and Morgan Tucker (James Madison University) received $1,050.

The Elizabeth Whitlow Reith 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, bachelor, or graduate degree level of study. Jessica Long (Mary Baldwin University-Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences) was awarded $1,700 and Taylor Jones (Bartlett Yancey High School) was awarded $2,000.

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. Monique Barbour (Gretna High School), and Stephney Tucker (Dan River High School) were each awarded $1,950.

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. Samuel Branch, III, Isaiah Davis, and William Jackson (George Washington High School) each received $1,300.

Six Gretna High School seniors were awarded $1,125 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 Emily Andrews, Monique Barbour, Taylor Boone, Tiesha Davis, Lauryn Jones and Moses Mangrum.

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. Daniel Francis (Dan River High School) and Gregory Shelton (Dan River High School) each received $1,425.

The Rotary Club of Yanceyville Scholarship was established in 2013 by the Rotary Club of Yanceyville for graduates of Bartlett Yancey High School. Kelly Rios (Bartlett Yancey High School) received $1,345.

The Percy and Velna Scearce Scholarship was created in 2001 to benefit area students. Hannah Hawkins (Liberty University) received $800, and Samantha Shelton (Tunstall High School) each received $1,000.

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.  Caleb Brinkley (Galileo Magnet High School) and Daniel Riddle (George Washington High School) each received $1,850.

The Eileen and Joseph Stendig Scholarship was created in 2005 to benefit area students.  Jack Garret, III (Galileo Magnet High School) and Evelyn Villalobos (George Washington High School) each received $2,500.

The Louise P. Surles Scholarship supports area students who attend the University of Virginia.  Emily Andrews (Gretna High School) and Makayla Crumpton (Tunstall High School) were each awarded $1,725.

The Florence P. Wagner and Jennie Lee Wagner Scholarship was established in 2008 to provide scholarships to Pittsylvania County high school graduates.  Summer Carlsen (Chatham High School) was awarded $1,500.

The Andy Warren Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of GW High School assistant football coach and is given to deserving GW athletes. Samuel Branch, III, Isaiah Davis, and William Jackson (George Washington High School) each were awarded $1,400.

The Woodlawn Academy Scholarship was established in 2014 to provide scholarships for former Woodlawn Academy students and immediate family of former students. Lauren Oakes (James Madison University) received $1,750 and Dylan Sparks (Chatham High School) received $2,600.

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.