This year’s annual Scholarship Reception was held Thursday, June 4 at the Pittsylvania County Community Center in Chatham. During the reception we awarded 181 scholarships to 165 students for a total of $412,490 for the 2026-27 academic year. Last year The Foundation awarded 165 scholarships to 152 students for a total of $369,584.
Addison Singh Scholarship – $1,100
Established in 2023 in memory of Addison Singh, who was a sonographer at SOVAH Health Danville. The scholarship supports students in the fields of sonography or radiology. A Marine veteran, Singh worked as a sonographer/medical imaging and as a forensic detective police officer. He was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed mountain biking, snowboarding, diving, sky diving and traveling. He climbed Mt. Everest in the spring of 2022.
Zoë Hardy – SOVAH School of Health Professions
Adkerson-Dodson Special Education Scholarship – $1,200
Established in 2012 in memory of Elsie Carolyn Adkerson, who was born prematurely in 1944. Adkerson was able to attend school through the seventh grade but lived with epilepsy and handicaps until her death in 2000. The scholarship is also in memory of Robert Edward Adkerson and Elsie Herndon Adkerson, who raised and cared for Elsie Carolyn during an era when no local, state or federal assistance was available for individuals with special education needs. The scholarship supports deserving Danville and Pittsylvania County residents who have a need for financial support and who are pursuing an undergraduate degree or licensure in special education.
Madyson Aron – Westover Christian Academy Class of 2026
The Alger Pugh Memorial Scholarship – $2,500
Established in memory of George Washington High School Football Coach Alger Pugh. The scholarship is awarded annually to deserving high school athletes from GW.
Jalen Williamson – Virginia State University
William Daniel – East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine
Andy Warren Memorial Scholarship Fund – $2,430
Established in memory of George Washington High School Football Coach Andy Warren. The scholarship is awarded to deserving athletes who graduate from GW.
Kobe Morrison – George Washington High School Class of 2026
Franklin Leigg – George Washington High School Class of 2026
Nyla Walters – George Washington High School Class of 2026
Arnold B. Porter and Elizabeth J. Porter Scholarship – $4,500
Established in 2008 for students who are members of Fairview Church that demonstrate a need for financial aid.
Katelyn Brooks – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
Barbara Shields Collie and John Collie, Jr. Scholarship – $1,100
Established in 2025 for residents of Danville and Pittsylvania County who enroll at a Virginia nonprofit public or private institution and maintain good academic standing.
Kathryn McDonald – Liberty University
Bennett-Bushnell-Jones-Kaufman Scholarship – $2,500
Established in 2008 to honor the memories of Betty Jones Bennett, Helen Lucile Neathery Bushnell, Julie and Miranda Jones and Julius Kaufman.
Hanyi Zhang – Radford University, Carilion
Bernard C. Calvert Scholarship – $2,700
Established in 2004 in memory of Bernard C. Calvert by the Brosville Council #51 of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Calvert was a member and State Councilman of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. The scholarship is awarded to Tunstall High School graduates, preferably those who attended either Brosville or Stony Mill schools.
Blake Swiger – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
The Brother Joe Carey Scholarship – $1,000
Established in 2023 to honor the memory of a beloved best friend, this scholarship supports Danville and Pittsylvania County students pursuing post-secondary education.
Shiloh Pickrel – Sovah School of Health Professions
Caswell County Schools Scholarship – $1,900
Established in 2019 for graduates of Bartlett Yancey High School who are attending an accredited two-year or four-year post-secondary institution. Students must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education with the intent to teach in the Caswell County Public School System.
Melanie Pinto – Bartlett Yancey High School Class of 2026
Cruising to a Better Future Scholarship – $1,000
Established in 2024 by donors who chose to remain anonymous but wanted to invest in the community. This scholarship is open to all students living in the Dan River Region (Danville, Pittsylvania County, Halifax County, Virginia; and Caswell County, North Carolina).
Aubree Murray – American University
Danville Academic Boosters Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded annually to the top academic students from Danville Public Schools.
Semiya Buckner – $725 – Galileo Magnet High School Class of 2026
Sophia Li – $625 – Galileo Magnet High School Class of 2026
Kobe Morrison – $525 – George Washington High School Class of 2026
Franklin Leigg – $425 – George Washington High School Class of 2026
Danville Lions Foundation Scholarship – $2,460
Established in 2016, this scholarship is for high school graduates from Danville, Pittsylvania, or Caswell County. Graduates must be pursuing a health-related profession, with a preference for those in a graduate level of study, especially those concentrating on sight and speech/hearing professions.
Bailey Calhoun – Radford University
Kayleigh Griffith-Teemer – Emory & Henry University
Patrick Haney – Averett University
Taylor Dodson – University of Lynchburg
Sydney Mahoney – Virginia Commonwealth University
Danville/Pittsylvania Academy of Medicine Alliance Scholarship – $800
Established in 2018 by the Danville Pittsylvania Academy of Medicine Alliance and the Physician Spouse Group Alliance, this scholarship benefits graduates from Danville and Pittsylvania County who are pursuing medical fields of study.
Ashlyn Loftis – Westover Christian Academy Class of 2026
Danville Regional Medical Center Auxiliary/Volunteers Scholarship – $2,400
Established in 2008 for Danville Regional Medical Center (now known as SOVAH Health) employees, volunteers and their immediate family members, who are pursuing a degree in the medical field.
Caroline Clay – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
Deputy Frankie Lynn Betterton Scholarship – $1,400
Established in 2012 in memory of Deputy Sheriff Frankie Lynn Betterton who was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on May 17, 2002. The scholarship is for residents of Danville and Pittsylvania County who have a financial need and who are pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Joshua Gunter – George Washington High School Class of 2026
Diane Marie Gross Scholarship – $3,100
Established in 2013 in memory of Diane Marie Gross who was killed in an automobile accident at the young age of 16. The scholarship, established by her mother, benefits graduates from high schools in Danville and Pittsylvania County who are attending Washington and Lee University or the College of William and Mary.
Julia Kent – College of William & Mary
Douglas Sager Hayes and Mildred “Mickey” Hayes Scholarship – $2,280
Established in 2013 to provide scholarships for high school graduates from Danville and Pittsylvania County who are studying art. Mickey Hayes was a well-known artist who loved painting and sharing her gifted ability. She loved growing her own flowers and they were the inspiration for most of her work. Her paintings hang in homes and businesses, both locally and abroad.
Elaina Carter – Homeschool, Class of 2026
Tes Rodgers – University of Virginia
Hayley Shumate – Dan River High School Class of 2026
Lauren White – Liberty University
Coy Hamlett – Hampden-Sydney
Kaelyn Roach – University of Virginia
Anna Barber – Westover Christian Academy Class of 2026
Cameron Puckett – Dan River High School Class of 2026
Victoria Wagner – Westover Christian Academy Class of 2026
Saniah Lyons – Galileo Magnet High School Class of 2026
Zachary Stowe – Chatham High School Class of 2026
Miranda Smallwood – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
Eileen and Joseph Stendig Scholarship – $2,155
The Eileen and Joseph Stendig Scholarship was established by the Stendigs in 2005 to provide financial assistance to students who have demonstrated a need for financial support and who graduated from Danville Public Schools.
Carol-Anne Garrett – James Madison University
Enyia Mills – George Washington High School Class of 2026
Krystie-Shiomara Eugene – Galileo Magnet High School Class of 2026
Semiya Buckner – Galileo Magnet High School Class of 2026
Madison Hodges – Liberty University
Ashley Johnson – Glenville State University
Jordan Greene – Longwood University
Elizabeth Whitlow Reith Price/R.N. Whitlow Family Nursing Scholarship – $2,550
Established in 2016 to support graduates of Bartlett Yancey High School who are pursuing nursing or health-related professions at an associate, bachelor or graduate degree level. Two scholarships will be awarded every year, with one awarded for scholastic achievement and the other for financial need. Scholarship recipients must remain in good standing in order for the scholarship to be renewable. The scholarship was named after Elizabeth to honor her dedication to helping others through her nursing career. The scholarship honors her three older sisters who had careers in nursing; and acknowledges the importance of a strong, supporting family.
Akyia Wilson – University of North Carolina Greensboro
Miranda Hancock – University of North Carolina Greensboro
Eliza Patterson Hines Memorial Scholarship – $2,000
Established in 2014 to support local graduates pursuing a career in teaching, preferably grades 1-7. Preference will also be given to graduates from central Pittsylvania County going to a college or university in Virginia. Hines was an employee of Pittsylvania County Schools for 51 years; teaching 6th and 7th grade at Renan School. She was also the librarian at Gretna High School for 20 years.
Alyssa Keesee – Liberty University
Fairview Church Scholarship – $1,400
Established in 2017, this scholarship represents the merger of three different scholarships — the United Methodist Women Scholarship, the Cox-Hardy Scholarship and the Edna Davis Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated a devotion to academics, or are otherwise talented, and who have a need for financial support. The scholarship benefits members of Fairview Church in Danville, Virginia.
Katelyn Brooks – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
First Responder-Hero Education Scholarship – $2,265
Established in 2013 by Pat and Cathy Daly to provide scholarships for high school graduates from Danville, Pittsylvania and Caswell counties whose parents are: serving in the armed forces, veterans, law enforcement officers, or full-time or volunteer firefighters; with a preference for graduates whose parents were killed or wounded while performing their duties.
Ava Presley – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
Amanda Talbott – Virginia Commonwealth University
Eli Farmer – Averett University
Florence P. Wagner and Jennie Lee Wagner Scholarship – $1,950
Established in 2008 to benefit graduates from Pittsylvania County Public Schools. Jennie was a long-time educator and counselor in the Pittsylvania County and Halifax County public schools.
Caitlyn Jarrett – James Madison University
Mohammad Adil Khan – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
Frank, Mary, and Ray Compton Scholarship – $2,330
Established in 2007 by Dr. Elizabeth Compton in memory of her parents. Scholarships are awarded to area students attending post-secondary schools who have demonstrated a devotion to academics or are otherwise talented, and who have a need for financial support. Preference is given to graduates of Pittsylvania County.
Emily Davis – Longwood University
Khamauri Mays – Radford University, Carilion
Danilu Acevedo-Garcia – Galileo Magnet High School Class of 2026
Gail and Walter Gunn Scholarship – $1,600
Established in 2015, this scholarship is awarded to local African American students with a preference for those studying business or with an entrepreneurial interest.
Kamari Davis – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
Gantsoudes Scholarship – $1,950
This scholarship was established in 2008 by Helen Kanos Gantsoudes. Her commitment to the Danville community and her belief in the importance of higher education for all children led her to provide a scholarship fund for graduates of George Washington High School who are attending college in Virginia or North Carolina.
Tikiiya Thomas – George Washington High School Class of 2026
Naomi Price – Norfolk State University
George A. Grekos Scholarship – $1,800
Established in 2019 by Dr. Paul Grekos shortly after the tragic death of his son. George was an honor graduate of Chatham High School and a junior at Christopher Newport University. This scholarship is for graduates from Danville and Pittsylvania County, with a preference for Chatham High School graduates, who attend Christopher Newport University.
Savannah Clay – Chatham High School Class of 2026
GW Class of 1957 Scholarship – $1,800
Established on November 5, 2007, with a gift of $500. The scholarship was established in honor of the class’s 50th reunion. It benefits high school graduates from George Washington High School.
LaPriannah Keen – George Washington High School Class of 2026
Sherri Dickens – Bellevue University
H. Lee Fowlkes Memorial Scholarship for the Arts – $1,000
In 2022, this scholarship was established in memory of H. Lee Fowlkes by the Caswell Council for the Arts. Scholarships are awarded to graduates of Bartlett Yancey High School in the fields of visual or performing arts. From 1978-2015 Fowlkes held many roles within the Caswell County School System including serving as director of the Caswell County Civic Center, arts director and director of Caswell County Council for the Arts.
Kathy Pichardo – Bartlett Yancey High School Class of 2026
Hokie Bird Scholarship – $2,100
Established in 2013 to support graduates from Danville-Pittsylvania County attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Students must demonstrate devotion to academics, or be otherwise talented and have a need for financial support.
Faith Newell
Blake Presley
Sawyer Hankins
Hospitality Management and Tourism Scholarship – $1,300
Established in 2023 to provide scholarships for graduates from Danville, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Caswell counties who plan to attend Hospitality Management and Tourism programs in the geographical service area of The Community Foundation. Scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated a desire to excel in customer service and who have a need for financial support.
David Alexander – Averett University
Irene L. Pritchett Memorial Scholarship – $2,400
The Irene L. Pritchett Memorial Scholarship benefits deserving African American students graduating from Danville and Pittsylvania County. Scholarships are awarded to students with a good academic record, financial need and a commitment to school and community activities. A tobacco factory worker at P. Lorillard for decades, Pritchett believed in a better tomorrow for African American children through higher education. This visually handicapped woman worked hard, invested her money wisely, and through her will, established this scholarship fund.
Jachaia Lea – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
Cherish Adkins – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
James W. Bryant, Sr. and James T. Collie Scholarship – $2,085
Established in 2005 by Virginia Collie, a retired Pittsylvania County school teacher, in honor of her father and father-in-law. The scholarship is for graduates from Pittsylvania County Public Schools, with a preference for those pursuing education or nursing.
Jacob Davis – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
Kayden Hernandez Galvan – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
Dylan Mitchell – Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
MacKenzie Adkins – Catawba College
Tristan Hernandez – University of Virginia
Danielle Barbour – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
Zohari Freeman – Radford University
Elijah Glass – James Madison University
John B. Grubb Scholarship – $1,100
Established in 2007 by Ruby Hodges Grubb in memory of her late husband, John Booker Grubb. The scholarship benefits high school graduates from Danville and Pittsylvania County.
Ashlyn Chappell – Radford University
John L. Hurt, Jr. Scholarship – $2,800
Established in 2002 by Frances Hallam Hurt to support students from northern Pittsylvania County, with a preference for students who attended John L. Hurt, Jr. Elementary School. Major John L. Hurt, the great-uncle of Hurt’s husband, was the founder of the town of Hurt. His nephew, the late John L. Hurt, Jr., spent his life encouraging and supervising its growth.
Jacob Shelton – Virginia Tech
John R. and Betty B. Eggleston Scholarship – $1,000
Established in memory of Dr. and Mrs. John Eggleston. Dr. Eggleston was a pediatrician in Southside Virginia who was known for treating his patients like family. In 1954, after examining a child from the Faith Home orphanage, Dr. Eggleston called a relative in Tennessee about adopting the 2-year-old boy. John Eggleston Mayfield’s life was changed forever. He found a family. To show his gratitude, John E. Mayfield of Tennessee started the John R. and Betty B. Eggleston Scholarship Fund in 2002. Scholarships are awarded to graduates from the Dan River Region.
Kelsie Scott – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
John Watson Daniel Scholarship – $1,300
The John Watson Daniel Scholarship was established in memory of John W. Daniel in 1997 by the JWD Retirement Club. The scholarship is for graduates from Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County and may give primary consideration to descendants of employees or retirees of John W. Daniel Construction Company.
Lauren Torborg – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
John Wesley Fulton and Juanita Stokes Fulton Scholarship – $2,300
Established to provide post-secondary educational scholarships to graduates from Bartlett Yancey High School in Yanceyville, NC, with a preference for students attending a HBCU institution or a descendant of a present or former member of the Eta Eta Zeta Yanceyville Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Makayla Graves – Winston-Salem State University
Laurie Anne Wilmoth Nursing Scholarship – $1,000
Established in 2021 to benefit high school graduates from the City of Danville who are pursuing a degree in nursing at Danville Community College or Averett University, with a preference for those planning to work in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Sarah Garrett – Averett University
Lawrence R. Dabbs Scholarship – $1,000
Established in 2017 by the estate of George Earl Dabbs to create an endowed scholarship fund to benefit high school graduates in Caswell County. Dabbs wanted the scholarship to be created in memory of his brother, Lawrence R. Dabbs, who was killed in World War II.
Kathy Pichardo – Bartlett Yancey High School Class of 2026
Louise P. Surles Scholarship – $2,150
Created by the Louise P. Surles estate in 1998 to award scholarships to students from the Dan River Region who will be attending the University of Virginia.
Kayla Wise
Caroline Hylton
Margaret Spruce Floyd Educational Fund – $2,800
Established by the estate of Margaret Spruce Floyd to award post-secondary scholarships to female graduates from Pittsylvania County. The scholarship is renewable for no more than two years and recipients must maintain a cumulative grade point average of C or better.
Katie Turner – Chatham High School Class of 2026
Meredith Wilson Gravely Memorial Scholarship – $900
Established by her daughters in her memory, the Meredith Wilson Gravely Memorial Scholarship is awarded to high school graduates from Danville, Pittsylvania and Caswell counties. Recipients must be current or former students who attended the Meredith Wilson Gravely School of Dance, with a preference for those pursuing studies in performing arts.
Sydney Lackey – University of Virginia
M. Etta Jennings Nursing Scholarship – $2,000
Established in 2013 to provide renewable scholarships to high school graduates from Danville and Pittsylvania County who are enrolled in a two-year nursing program with a preference for programs located in Danville. Jennings was inspired to pursue nursing during World War II and received her training at Danville Memorial Hospital’s Nursing Program as a member of the Cadet Nurses Corps. Her formal nursing career spanned 45 years.
Gracie Taylor – Averett University
Onnie and Bertie Milloway Scholarship – $2,500
The scholarship was established to provide educational assistance to local students attending Averett University.
Alana Blair
Kiley Sheets
Sasha Puckett
Pamela Kaye Parrish Scholarship – $2,025
Established in 2023 in memory of Pamela Kaye Parrish to benefit graduates of Dan River High School in Pittsylvania County, with a preference for students attending public colleges and universities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Karsyn Smith – Averett University
Macy Blanks – Dan River High School Class of 2026
Amaré White – University of Virginia
Natalia Swanson – University of Lynchburg
Patrick H. Musick Scholarship – $1,600
Established in 2001 in memory of Patrick H. Musick, a local attorney and strong supporter of Averett University and its tennis teams. Scholarships will be awarded to deserving students attending Averett University, with a preference shown to academically qualified students who have a tennis-playing background.
Zachary Setliff
Percy and Velna Scearce Scholarship – $2,400
Established by Moffett Memorial Baptist Church and members of the Scearce family in 2000 in memory of Percy and Velna Scearce. Scholarships are awarded to high school graduates from Danville, Pittsylvania and Caswell counties who actively support their religious convictions, have financial need and show a commitment to community service.
Madeleine Jones – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
The Plumblee Scholarship – $2,090
This scholarship was established in 1977 by Millard Quentin Plumblee and Elizabeth Chandler Plumblee. Their son, Gordon Plumblee, was instrumental in transferring this scholarship from The Caswell County Board of Education to The Foundation in 2019.
Gordon Plumblee taught biology for 35 years at Western Alamance High School in Elon, NC, receiving numerous awards for teaching throughout his career. This scholarship benefits graduates of Caswell County Public Schools who are pursuing a four-year college degree.
Taylor Stanley – Bartlett Yancey High School Class of 2026
Jordan Johnson – Averett University
Molly Boaz – Bartlett Yancey High School Class of 2026
Eliza Brewer – Bartlett Yancey High School Class of 2026
Makayla Graves – Winston-Salem State University
William McGhee, Jr. – Bartlett Yancey High School Class of 2026
Akyia Wilson – University of North Carolina Greensboro
Melanie Pinto – Bartlett Yancey High School Class of 2026
James Martin – Bartlett Yancey High School Class of 2026
Miranda Hancock – University of North Carolina Greensboro
Ray M. Harris Educational Fund – $2,800
Established by the estate of Ray M. Harris, this scholarship is awarded to high school graduates from Pittsylvania County who are pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, specialized or professional education degree (including vocational, technical, trade schools or college).
Christopher Bowman – Liberty University
Nhyla Terry – Dan River High School Class of 2026
Richard Ramsey Scholarship – $2,125
The Richard Ramsey Scholarship is awarded to students who attended Gretna High School four consecutive semesters in grades 11 and 12 and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 after the first semester of their senior year. Ramsey was a long-time teacher in Pittsylvania County. He taught at Gretna High School, Renan Elementary School and Gretna Middle School. He was very active in the community, working with many service organizations, most especially the Gretna High School booster clubs.
Vivian Taylor – Gretna High School Class of 2026
Sophia Brooks – Gretna High School Class of 2026
Doris Stallard – Gretna High School Class of 2026
Jenna Motley – Gretna High School Class of 2026
Riddle-Francis Educational Fund – $1,800
Garnette Francis, a retired teacher in Pittsylvania County, established the Riddle-Francis Scholarship in 2005. The scholarship benefits graduates of Pittsylvania County Public Schools, with a preference for Tunstall or Dan River students.
Collin Stevens – Averett University
Bobbie French – Danville Community College
Robert and Bernice Milam Scholarship – $2,525
Robert and Bernice were married November 10, 1933. They did not have children of their own but wanted to help the children of the church they attended — Third Avenue Congregational Christian Church — pursue a higher education. The scholarship benefits active members of Stone Creek Church or is awarded to students who were active members, or whose parents or legal guardians were active members, of Third Avenue Congregational Christian Church.
Canaan Sloane – Liberty University
Reagan Payne – Liberty University
Pierson Sloane – Chatham High School Class of 2026
Caroline Vicks – Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
Robert R. Blackwell and Virginia M. Blackwell Scholarship – $2,600
Established in 2018 by the estate of Judge Robert R. Blackwell. Blackwell graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Mars Hill College and then continued his education by graduating from Wake Forest University School of Law. He practiced law for 30 years and served as Chief District Judge for judicial districts comprising the following counties: Person, Caswell and Rockingham. The scholarship is for Bartlett Yancey High School graduates, with a preference for those attending Mars Hill University or Wake Forest University.
Taylor Stanley – Bartlett Yancey High School Class of 2026
Rotary Club of Chatham Scholarship – $1,000
The Rotary Club of Chatham established this scholarship in 2019. The scholarship benefits graduating seniors from Gretna High School and Chatham High School, with a preference for students who are a member of their school’s Interact Club.
Abigail Breedlove – Gretna High School Class of 2026
Sydney Moss – Chatham High School Class of 2026
Rotary Club of Yanceyville Scholarship – $1,800
The Rotary Club of Yanceyville established this scholarship in 2013. The scholarship benefits graduates of Bartlett Yancey High School who have demonstrated a devotion to academics, are otherwise talented and have a need for financial support.
William Boaz – North Carolina State University
Roy G. and Joan F. Gignac Scholarship – $2,210
Established by Roy and Joan Gignac in 2000 to provide post-secondary scholarships for students who best exemplify a commitment to academics, and school, and community service activities. Recipients must have graduates from a high school in Danville, Pittsylvania or Caswell counties. Students must be pursuing, or planning to pursue, a technical field of study, with preference for those attending the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Andrew Clark – Liberty University
Sophia Li – Galileo Magnet High School Class of 2026
Marco Pineda – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
Kayla Hamlett – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
William Carson – Halifax County High School Class of 2026
Esirah Scott – Chatham High School Class of 2026
Troy Edmonds – Bridgewater College
Brandon Quintero – Virginia Tech
Bronson Craddock – Dan River High School Class of 2026
Khalil Richardson – Old Dominion University
The Roy L. and Mary G. Doss Scholarship – $6,000
Established in 2010 in memory of Roy and Mary Doss to benefit graduating seniors who live in Danville or Pittsylvania County and have the greatest financial need. This scholarship is renewable for four years.
Aranza Ramirez Leon – University of Virginia
Brittany Hicks – Averett University
John Pointer – Halifax County High School Class of 2026
Jonathan Westrick – University of Virginia
Daryl Brimmer – George Mason University
Mattilyn Herndon – James Madison University
Erin Payne – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
Unique Savage – Averett University
Emma Foley – University of Virginia
Alyssa Robertson – Longwood University
Esperanza Bolanos – Moore College of Art and Design
Ja-Meriona Valentine-James – Averett University
Dakotah Younger – Virginia Tech
Donnovan Perez – Galileo Magnet High School Class of 2026
Ruby Sartin Hovatter Educator Scholarship – $1,500
Established in 2017 to provide scholarships to high school graduates who plan to become teachers. The scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors of either George Washington High School in Danville, VA or Bartlett Yancey High School in Yanceyville, NC. Scholarship applicants are required to submit a supplemental statement expressing their interest in becoming a teacher and explain future goals in the field of education. Hovatter spent more than 50 years in education and wishes to inspire future educators.
Brady Woodson – Virginia Commonwealth University
Sadie Banks Brown Memorial Scholarship – $1,300
Established in 2021 in memory of Sadie Banks Brown. The scholarship is awarded to local African-American students from Danville and Pittsylvania County, with a preference for students attending historically black colleges and universities. Brown was a native of Blairs, VA, graduating from Southside High School. She was a lawyer with her own practice in Fairfax, VA.
Natalia Morrison – Old Dominion University
Samuel Manning Farmer Scholarship – $2,600
Established in 2019 by R. Lee and Elizabeth M. Farmer to provide scholarships for Bartlett Yancey High School graduates who demonstrate a devotion to academics or are otherwise talented. Preference is given to students attending Elon University, Greensboro College, Guilford College, North Carolina State University or Wake Forest University.
William Boaz – North Carolina State University
Shoemaker-Velarde Fine Arts Scholarship – $3,500
Established in 2025 by the Gretna Little Theatre, this scholarship supports high school graduates majoring in Fine Arts, with a preference for graduates from Gretna High School.
Olivia Franklin – Gretna High School Class of 2026
Skenderis Scholarship – $2,700
The Skenderis Scholarship was established in 1999 by the Danville Bar Association in memory of Judge Spiros Skenderis. The scholarship benefits high school graduates from Danville and Pittsylvania County who have overcome hardships. Skenderis was a compassionate judge of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in Danville for nineteen years. During that time, he was focused on improving scholastic achievement and building character in the young people who appeared before him.
Carolina Wheeler – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
Lauren Gauldin – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
Layla DeShazor – Dan River High School Class of 2026
Steven Bruce Daniels, Jr. Scholarship – $2,230
Established in 2014 in memory of Steven Bruce Daniels, Jr. This scholarship is for graduates from Danville, Pittsylvania or Caswell counties attending either North Carolina State University or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with plans to study the field of agriculture (primary) or with a high school varsity athletics background (secondary).
Lydia Carter – Virginia Tech
Grace Stowe – Virginia Tech
Cole Abercrombie – Virginia Tech
Stuart Harris Drama Scholarship – $1,600
Given each year to outstanding drama students graduating from Danville or Pittsylvania County public schools. Stuart Harris was a native of Danville who served as a naval lieutenant during WWII. Harris’ career centered in New York, where he worked for well-known advertising and book publishing firms. His interest in drama began in childhood and continued throughout his life.
Piper Fairplay – Galileo Magnet High School Class of 2026
Susan L. Edwards Scholarship – $1,400
Established in 2012 in memory of Susan L. Edwards. Edwards knew the importance of education beyond high school but could not afford to go to college. Instead, she discovered the Radiological Technician program at the Memorial Hospital of Danville, now Sovah Health, which allowed students to receive training in exchange for working at the hospital following successful completion of coursework. Edwards completed the program in June of 1965 and immediately began working as an x-ray technician for the hospital. The scholarship is given to students pursuing the field of radiologic technology or nursing.
Paul Salas – Sovah School of Health Professions
Thomas “Tommy” Stump Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2025 to honor the memory of a beloved husband, this scholarship supports students from the Dan River Region — Danville, Pittsylvania County, Halifax County and Caswell County — who are attending Virginia Tech. Stump, himself a graduate from Virginia Tech, worked at First Piedmont Corporation in Chatham, VA from 1980-2021.
Graham Haskins – Tunstall High School Class of 2026
Tricia’s Nursing Memorial Scholarship – $2,200
Established in 2020 in memory of Patricia Harris Towler by Caswell Family Medical Center. The scholarship is awarded to residents from Pittsylvania County, Danville or Caswell County, NC, who are pursuing a career in nursing (LPN or higher). Applicants may be any age but must show a devotion to academics and have a need for financial support. Towler received her nursing degree from Danville Regional School of Nursing and worked as an RN at Caswell Family Medical Center from 2002-2020.
HaiLan Zhao – University of Lynchburg
Tunstall Academic Boosters Club Scholarship – $500
Established in 2017 by Dr. Albert Payne and Sandra Payne to benefit the top ranked academic students graduating from Tunstall High School.
Jacob Howard
Mason Clark
Madeleine Jones
Ava Presley
Caroline Clay
Katelyn Brooks
Kaitlyn Gregory
Samuel Payne
Reese Jenkins
Emily Hylton
Morgan Phillips
Virginia Ann Miller Garmon Memorial Scholarship – $800
Established in 2021, this scholarship is to benefit graduates of Halifax County High School and George Washington High School who desire to pursue post-secondary education in the fields of education, business or religion.
Jenna Austin – Old Dominion University
Walter and Barbara Bass Scholarship – $2,300
Established in 2022, the scholarship supports Halifax County area high school seniors who maintain a 3.0 GPA and have completed 120 hours of community service or are a JROTC member. A Halifax County native, Barbara graduated from Halifax County High School. She worked at St. Catherine’s School where she was head of the computer science and math departments and served as dean of students.
Jayyden Leigh – Halifax County High School Class of 2026
Kaiyah Stephens – Halifax County High School Class of 2026
William E. Barr Scholarship – $2,500
Established in 2013 in memory of William E. Barr who graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in 1987. The scholarship supports high school graduates from Danville and Pittsylvania County who are attending Hampden-Sydney College.
Jayden Smith – Gretna High School Class of 2026
Woodlawn Academy Scholarship – $2,850
Following the sale of Woodlawn Academy in 2014, this scholarship was established. The Woodlawn Academy Scholarship benefits graduates from Danville and Pittsylvania County, although preference is given to former Woodlawn Academy students and immediate family of former students.
Matthew Arnold – Virginia Tech
MacKenzie Harris – Longwood University