RICHMOND –– Forty-three (43) high school seniors and three graduate school students were among the 46 scholars honored as the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation announced its 2014 scholarship award recipients today at VSGA Day at Richmond Country Club.
The VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to Virginia high school students who are interested in golf and who attend colleges and universities within the commonwealth. Criteria for the awards include an active interest in golf (ability not important), academic achievement and character. The Scholarship Foundation gives four-year awards which are conditional on students’ continued progress in academics as well as one-time merit awards.
This year’s grants totaled $101,000, with $53,500 going to 11 four-year award recipients, $43,000 going to 32 merit award winners and $4,500 going to three students pursuing degrees in turfgrass management at Virginia Tech.
Since being launched in 1985 with three awards for $4,000, the program has now distributed more than $1.95 million ($1,953,000) in its 30 years. With this year’s 46 scholarships, the total number of recipients has reached 852 students. A portion of each VSGA VIP Card sale helps fund the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation.
“The VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation joins in congratulating a special group of students who have excelled both academically, as well as outside the classroom and share an interest in golf,” said VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation president Michael Millen. “We are proudly approaching $2 million in scholarships awarded, and know that such funding would not be possible without the participation of countless VIP cardholders, along with the support of the VSGA Women’s Division.”
The 2014 grants include the 14th C. Dan Keffer Award, which goes to an individual in honor of the former VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation Committee Chairman. This year’s recipient was Blacksburg resident Christopher Long, who received a $7,000 scholarship.
For a 20th consecutive year, Spencer-Wilkinson awards were presented on behalf of the VSGA Women’s Division. The fund, formed by Debbie Spencer and Mary Nell Wilkinson, affords young women with an interest in golf the opportunity to pursue college and career development. Richmond-area resident Brittany Woo of North Chesterfield was the top female award winner and received a $7,000 scholarship.
Additional Spencer-Wilkinson four-year awards went to Chesterfield’s Casey Gaffney and Christina Herbert of Williamsburg, who each earned a $4,000 scholarship. Additionally, Stacy Shrader (Vinton) received a $2,500 scholarship. One-time Spencer-Wilkinson merit awards were awarded to Lyberty Anderson (Chesterfield), Abigail Power (Alexandria), Baylee Snead (South Boston) and Elena West (Roanoke). Each student received a $1,500 scholarship.
The Red Speigle Award was given to Maxwell Baldwin of Newport News ($7,000). Named in honor of the late longtime teaching professional, the award honors the top applicant from the Peninsula. A former assistant professional at James River Country Club, as well as the head PGA professional at Hampton Golf Club, Speigle was one of Virginia’s pre-eminent teachers and was known for his work with juniors and many premier amateurs.
The David A. King Award ($6,000) went to Kyle Perigard of Fairfax. Mr. King, a senior amateur golfer in Virginia, established this scholarship in 2002.
In addition, three $1,500 turfgrass grants have been awarded to Adam Boyd (Christiansburg), Sandeep Rana (Blacksburg) and Chantel Wilson (Blacksburg). The award recipients are graduate students at Virginia Tech.
The VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation has a program in place to accept gifts and memorials. Anyone interested in naming a scholarship or contributing to the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation should contact the VSGA.
Since 1904, the VSGA has been dedicated to providing golfers a full range of services for the good of the game and golf in Virginia. Today, the VSGA is comprised of more than 310 member clubs and more than 75,000 members and VIP cardholders, and is committed to offering value and access to courses throughout the commonwealth The VSGA’s core functions include the administration of the following programs: men’s and women’s championships; One-Day events; Rules of Golf; USGA Handicap System™; USGA Course Rating System™; Virginia Golfer magazine; and the VSGA VIP Card. The VSGA is a non-profit 501 (c)(4) organization.
2014 VSGA-VIP SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION AWARD RECIPIENTS
(FOUR-YEAR AWARD WINNERS)
Christopher Long of Blacksburg, Va., Blacksburg High School ($7,000, including the C. Dan Keffer Award) – Ranked among the top 10 students in his graduating class … A member of the National Honor Society and served as secretary … An AP Scholar with honors … Vice president of his senior class … Treasurer of The National Forensics Club … Participated in the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) … Member of the “5th Team” at the VASTS Summer Academy, a leadership position which is awarded to three members of each of the four teams in the Academy … Selected for a seven-day residential summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. … Competitor at National Debate and Forensics tournaments … State Debate Tournament qualifier … Member of Club Green with responsibilities for the school recycling program (2011-14) … A four-year member of the varsity golf team … Honored with the ‘Bruin Award,’ given to the player that displays the most consistent high level of commitment and work ethic throughout the entire season … Volunteered at The Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech … University of Virginia.
Brittany Woo of North Chesterfield, Va., Monacan High School ($7,000 Spencer-Wilkinson Award sponsored by the VSGA Women’s Division) – Ranked second in her graduating class … A member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and vice president of the National Art Honor Society … Council member of the Monacan High School mentors … Participated in the Virginia High School League Girls’ State competition four straight years … All-academic district team honoree and an All-Dominion district selection … Medalist at the Conference 20 tournament … Through her involvement in The First Tee Chesterfield, she received the Renee Powell Outstanding Leadership Award and was also selected as one of the eight finalists for the inaugural First Tee Outstanding Participant Award … Recipient of the prestigious Playing Through Determination Award … Selected to attend a First Tee Leadership and Entrepreneurs Forum … Honored as co-captain of the Monacan varsity golf team … Assists with Special Olympics golf tournaments and a volunteer at Gordon Elementary School … University of Richmond.
Maxwell Baldwin of Newport News, Va., Hampton Roads Academy ($7,000, including the Red Speigle Award) – Inducted into the Cum Laude Society, the highest academic honor a student at Hampton Roads Academy can receive … Received Academic Highest Honors … A member of the National Junior Honor Society and National Art Honor Society … Advanced Placement scholar … Recipient of the Karen Schappert Memorial Award (voted by peers as the classmate whom they most respect for unselfishness, responsibility, honesty and sensitivity to the feelings of others) … Honored with the University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Antony Award, which recognizes leadership and dedication to community action, commitment to and understanding of difficult social issues, excellence in humanities and social sciences … Five-year member of the varsity golf team and twice named team most valuable player … Community service activities include involvement with Bridges to Prosperity, in which he spent a week in Nicaragua assisting in building a foot bridge to improve accessibility for villagers … University of Virginia.
Kyle Perigard of Fairfax, Va., Westfield High School ($6,000, including the David A. King Award) – Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society member … AP Scholar Award recipient … Junior National Honor Society member … Magna Cum Laude honor student … Future Business Leaders of America member … First place at the Westfield High School Science Fair (Animal Science Division) … Fairfax County Junior Math League member … Served mission trips for four years in Kentucky and West Virginia … Four-year member of the varsity golf team and honored as team captain on two occasions … Volunteer youth basketball coach for four years … NZONE Sports Recreation Center employee … NewLife Church Youth Group member … Race for Hope volunteer and participant … Youth basketball referee during a span of six seasons … College of William & Mary.
Casey Gaffney of Chesterfield, Va., St. Catherine’s School ($4,000 Spencer-Wilkinson Award sponsored by the VSGA Women’s Division) – Head Peer Advisor (one year) and Peer Advisor (two years) … Student ambassador as a prep for four years … Academic Honor Roll (AP and Honor classes) … Girls State at Longwood University … Published in school literary magazine … Search Committee head of School Student Advisor … Member of the Robotics Club and Battle of the Brains … Four-year member of the varsity golf team and honored as team co-captain twice during her career … Also a member of the field hockey team where she was named to the USA Field Hockey Futures Olympic Development program … Was a part of the indoor track and field squad … Volunteers at the Symetra Tour Eagle Classic … Golf Youth Lessons Teaching Assistant Volunteer at VSGA member clubs in central Virginia … Special Olympics track and field volunteer … Bridgewater College.
Christina Herbert of Williamsburg, Va., Jamestown High School ($4,000 Spencer-Wilkinson Award sponsored by the VSGA Women’s Division) – Ranked among the top five students in her graduating class … AP Scholar with honor … ‘A’ Honor Roll … President of the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society … Secretary of the National Spanish Honor Society … Delegate of Virginia Girls’ State … Recipient of the William & Mary Leadership Award … Head of Archaeology for Rho Kappa Honor Society … Helped Jamestown High School to the Virginia High School League Group 4A State Championship … Wendy’s High School Heisman winner … Leader for Middle School Small group at Williamsburg Community Chapel … Foster parent for Heritage Humane Society … Leader for One Desire Christian Club at Jamestown High … Basketball coach for girls’ 8 and under recreational team … Bridgewater College.
Stacy Shrader of Vinton, Va., William Byrd School ($2,500 Spencer-Wilkinson Award sponsored by the VSGA Women’s Division) – First place at the Future Business Leaders of America region competition … Commonwealth and Early College Scholar … Governor’s Seal recipient … ‘A’ Honor Roll and BETA Club member (students with a grade point average of 3.5 and higher) … Junior class president and DECA Club officer … A part of the University of Virginia’s girls’ high school engineering program … Senior homecoming queen representative … Played varsity soccer and basketball; twice named team most valuable player as a part of the basketball team … Freshman mentor and a part of Fellowship of Christian Athletes for four years … SPCA volunteer … Relay For Life team leader volunteer … Experience outside of school includes working at the Greenridge Recreation Center and for the Salem Red Sox minor league baseball team … Notes that being involved in golf has enhanced both her abilities and character … Virginia Tech.
Richard Cannella of Poquoson, Va., Poquoson High School ($4,000) – A member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and the French Honor Society … A member of the Poquoson honor roll every semester throughout high school … Nominated for Boys State by Poquoson High teachers and faculty members … Virginia Department of Education Early College Scholars Program … Received a Certificate of Achievement from the Hampton Roads Sanitation District in recognition of his research efforts to enhance the environment through improved water quality … A member of the varsity golf team and also plays baseball and football … Volunteer activities include serving at the Poquoson Museum, St. Joseph Church, Bayside Nursing Home and working with Poquoson Little League baseball … Performed job shadowing of three physical therapists at Tidewater Physical Therapy … College of William & Mary.
Miles Hamberg of Norfolk, Va., Maury High School ($4,000) – A member of the National Honor Society, National Latin Honor Society and an AP Scholar with Distinction … Future Educators of America teacher’s assistant … Honors medical program at Maury High … Advanced placement coursework includes: Government, Literature, Environmental Science, Statistics and Psychology … President of the school literary magazine … A part of the Norfolk Young Life youth group … Model United Nations … Has been a part of the PINK Club to generate awareness and fundraising for cancer research … Extracurricular activities also include being a part of the Friendship Club … Plays baseball, volleyball and lacrosse … University of Virginia.
Kyle Morgan of Virginia Beach, Va., Kempsville High School ($4,000) – Member of the National Honor Society and treasurer … College Board AP Scholar … A part of Kempsville High’s Principal’s List … DECA 2014 District Leadership Conference champion (district and state conference participant) … A part of Kempsville High’s Leadership Workshop staff … Honored as team captain of the varsity golf team, named team most valuable player and had the highest grade point average on the squad on multiple occasions … Named to The Virginian-Pilot All-Scholastic team … St. Mark’s food pantry volunteer … Relay for Life participant … Fairfield Elementary Running Club volunteer … Outside attendant at The First Tee of Hampton Roads … Credits golf with creating a time for family bonding … Virginia Tech.
John Radford of Norfolk, Va., Maury High School ($4,000) – Ranked among the top 10 students in his class with a 4.7-plus grade point average … Honored as class president as a senior … A member of the National Honor Society, Model United Nations … Academic high honors for four years … A part of PINK Club, honoring and reaching out to cancer patients … A part of the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team that helped shelter the homeless at his church … Also helped pack Thanksgiving baskets … Operation Smile Club … Four-year member of the varsity baseball team and a member of the varsity volleyball squad … American Legion Post 35 volunteer assistant coach … Plays golf on a recreational basis … Worked as a lifeguard … Accepted in the Engineering School at the University of Virginia.
STUDENTS EARNING ONE-TIME MERIT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
Patrick Allen of Chesapeake, Va., Deep Creek High School ($2,000) – Recipient of an academic award for maintaining above a 3.5 grade point average for three years in a row … A member of the National Honor Society … Four-year letterwinner as a member of the varsity golf team and honored as team captain on three occasions … Also played baseball as a prep … Volunteered at Bide-A-Wee Golf Course in Portsmouth for four summers and worked more than 350 hours … Worked at a paving company and as a cook … Randolph-Macon College.
Lyberty Anderson of Chesterfield, Va., Manchester High School ($1,500 Spencer-Wilkinson Award sponsored by the VSGA Women’s Division) – Activities at Manchester High include being a part of the Red Cross Club, a Student Council Association member and the SMART Mentoring Program for incoming freshmen … Also participates in a Bible study group and is a member of the Science National Honor Society … Volunteers her time at the elementary school she attended … Selected VSGA Women’s Division Co-Golfer of the Year in the fall of 2013 … Won the 2013 VSGA Virginia Women’s Stroke Play Championship … Claimed medalist honors at the Group 5A South Region tournament … Won the Conference 12 medal as well as player of the year accolades … Has captured four Richmond Women’s Golf Association Amateur titles … A four-time qualifier for the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship and was named VSGA Junior Girl of the Year in 2011…University of Virginia.
Ocean Armstrong of Timberville, Va., Broadway High School ($1,500) – Ranked among the top five students in his graduating class … Letter and Gold Star each year as a prep (a Gold Star is given for a 4.0 grade point average or higher); carries a 4.17 GPA … Member of the National Honor Society and Fulks Run Ruritans Club … A member of the Broadway High golf team where he earned all-state, all-region and all-conference accolades … Youngest club champion in the history of his home course, The Shenvalee … Also plays baseball and tennis … Taking dual enrollment classes in Calculus and English 12 … Earned honors in Government studies and Chemistry II … Bridgewater College.
Lucas Arney of Buchanan, Va., James River High School ($1,000) – William & Mary Leadership Award recipient … Accepted into the College of William & Mary to pursue a degree in biology and then pre-med … Earned Jackson River Governor’s School’s Award of Academic Excellence … Qualifier for the Regional Science Fair through the Jackson River Governor’s School … Secretary of the National Honor Society at his school … Took a research trip to study marine life … A member of the Fincastle Baptist Church Youth Group Leadership Team … Assistant Sunday School teacher at his church … Took part in a mission trip to Mexico … A member of the golf team and wrestling squad at James River High … A part of the Varsity Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes … College of William & Mary.
Ryan Barnes of Clifton, Va., Centreville High School ($1,000) – A member of the ‘A/B’ Honor Roll and ‘All A; Honor Roll as a prep … Academic letterwinner … Inducted into the Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society … A part of the Student Government Board … Scholar-athlete award winner, honorable mention recognition at the Science Fair and earned Outstanding Achievement Honors in chemistry, Spanish as well as health and physical education … Wildcat Spirit Award recipient … As a freshman, was in the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Program … Participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes … A youth basketball referee and an usher at his church … Played golf as well as baseball and football at Centreville High … Virginia Tech.
Christian Chisenhall of Wise, Va., Central High School ($1,500) – Ranked among the top 10 students in his graduating class … Appeared on the honor roll throughout high school … Recipient of the Spanish Award, Business Award and Chemistry Award … Member of Mu Alpha Theta … Academic all-district honoree … Took mission trips to Outer Banks, N.C., to build shelters for women … SAT and math tutor … Four-year member of the varsity golf team; also played varsity basketball and soccer (honored as team captain on two occasions as a part of the soccer team) … Scholastic Bowl letterwinner … James Madison University.
William Coffin of Staunton, Va., Riverheads High School ($1,000) – Ranked among the top 15 students in his graduating class … A member of the Academic Team … Taking advanced placement courses in Government, English, Environmental Science, Calculus and Computer Science … Academic interests also include pursuing studies in engineering … Assistant minister at his home church … Played on the golf team all four years of high school … Also a part of the baseball team all four years and on the wrestling squad … Works at The Club at Ironwood, including being employed as a lifeguard … Also a YMCA lifeguard … Virginia Tech.
Zak DePasquale of Clifton, Va., Robinson Secondary School ($1,500) – National High School Coaches Association Academic All-American … National Merit Scholarship Foundation commended scholar … A part of the Robinson Student Government / Leadership team … A member of the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America (national qualifier and competitor representing Virginia) … Appeared on the Northern Region Athletic Honor Roll for four years … Selected as a POISE (Peers Opting to Improve School Engagement) mentor to an at-risk student at his school … Central Fairfax Young Life student leader … Has performed more than 150 hours of community service with various organizations … Four-year member of the wrestling squad … Enjoys playing golf with his father and uncles … Plays in a rock band that performs at private parties and charity events … University of Virginia.
Matthew Doughty of Roanoke, Va., North Cross School ($1,000) – Earned a spot on the honor roll throughout his high school career … Inducted into the Spanish Honor Society … Honorable mention on the National Spanish exam … Gold medal recipient from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association … A part of the Academic Team as a prep … Volunteer at Apple Ridge Farm, Raleigh Court Nursing Home and a service worker at St. John’s Episcopal Church … A baseball standout who was honored as team most valuable player … Virginia Commonwealth Games All-Star (selected to represent the West team following tryouts) … Also played American Legion baseball … A member of the varsity basketball, swimming teams as well as a member of the Chess Club … Plays golf at Hunting Hills Country Club … University of Virginia.
Kali Edsall of Roanoke, Va., William Byrd High School ($1,500) – Governor’s S.T.E.M. (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) Academy Specialty Center for Mass Communications student … Student of the Year for Mass Communications … A member of the BETA Club, DECA Club and LEO Club … Roanoke County Public Schools Student Advisory Council member … Burton Center for Arts and Technology Career and Technical Education General Advisory Council member … Took part in the Toastmasters public speaking program … Student aid in a special education classroom … An accomplished swimmer who was a USA Junior National qualifier, as well as being honored as the All-Timesland Swimmer of the Year and is a two-time Region III record holder … Comes from a sports-minded family and credits the game of golf with teaching her teamwork, focus and patience … James Madison University.
Iain Encarnacion of Farmville, Va., Fuqua School ($1,500) – Cum Laude Society inductee … Presidential Scholar who made straight-A’s all four years of high school … Received the Anna McGovern Scholarship, awarded to three high school juniors at his school who display exceptional academic performance … A part of the National Fraternity of Student Musicians (local inductee for piano) … A member of Mu Alpha Theta, Taylor Historical Society, Fuqua School Science Honor Society and Society for Excellence in English … Captain of the varsity golf team … Also a part of the swim team … Has been a counselor and coordinator at the medical camp at Centra Southside Community Hospital …Selected to represent his school at the Boys State Camp in 2013 (delegate in the House) … Interned with an internal medicine doctor … Attended the University of Virginia’s S.T.E.M. and Architecture Program … Hopes to follow the pre-med track and become a doctor … University of Virginia.
Destanie Fonoimoana of Suffolk, Va., King’s Fork High School ($1,000) – A member of the honor roll and recognized as the Most Outstanding Student in chemistry and geometry … … Tutor at Tabernacle Baptist Outreach Center … Volunteer and junior leader at Summer Fun in Kahuku, Hawaii … Also gives of her time and talents at East End Baptist Church in Suffolk … Took part in a Thanksgiving food drive … Captain of the swim team … Also a member of the golf, tennis and volleyball teams … Plays golf at Nansemond River Golf Club … Academic interests include pursuing studies in American Sign Language … Old Dominion University.
Logan Fry of Roanoke, Va., Northside High School ($1,000) – President of her senior class, as well as president of the Student Council Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Drama Club … Appeared on the ‘A’ or ‘A/B’ honor roll throughout her high school career … A silver certificate recipient in the Girl Scouts of America … Variety of volunteer activities include giving of her time at a local animal shelter … An active member of her home church and helped serve Thanksgiving dinners to guests and served as a nursery worker … Has served the Chamber of Commerce during the Christmas holiday … Three-year letterwinner as a member of the cross country team … Worked at Belk the summer prior to her senior year … Has strong family ties to golf and enjoys playing the game on a recreational basis … Virginia Tech.
Ian Hildebrand of Purcellville, Va., Loudoun Valley High School ($1,500) – A member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society … National Junior Classical League Latin Honor Society Award recipient … A 2013 HP Honor Roll student as recognized by the American Junior Golf Association … Four-year member of the varsity golf team and honored as team captain for his senior campaign … Selected as team most valuable player his junior and senior seasons … Virginia High School League State Golf champion and named the Northern Virginia Golf Athlete of the Year in 2013 … Washington Post honorable mention all-metro selection in golf … Perfect attendance and made straight-A’s his freshman year at Loudoun Valley High… Work camp ministry … Volunteer tutor to underclassmen … Community band performer … Virginia Tech.
Peyton Johnson of Arlington, Va., Wakefield High School ($2,000) – Principal’s Honor Roll … AP Environmental Science Student of the Year … College Board AP Scholar with Honor Award … A member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society … Posse Scholarship nominee … Honored as team captain of the varsity golf team at Wakefield High … Competed in the Virginia High School League Girls’ Open Championship … Outside of the classroom, she is involved in Teens Opposing Poverty, the Lakota Mission Team, youth choir, youth group and club soccer … A part of the Nordstrom BP Fashion Board …Office assistant for the Animal Agriculture Alliance … James Madison University.
Justin Kidd of Boydton, Va., Bluestone High School ($1,500) – Principal’s list honoree and four-year member of the honor roll … Ranked among the top five students in his graduating class … All A’s Ceremony Medallion recipient … BETA Club … Earned a Monogram Letter for his participation in sports while maintaining a high grade point average … Member of the golf team and has been honored as team most valuable player as well as most improved player as a part of the squad … As a senior, earned the Boydton Ruritan Scholarship Award for Academic Achievement … Four-year member of the marching/concert band … All-district band honoree (third chair symphonic band, fourth chair symphonic band and third chair concert bands) … Bass guitar player in a local rock band … James Madison University.
Robert Lambert of Norfolk, Va., Maury High School ($1,000) – Appeared on the High Honor Roll all four years of high school … AP scholar with honors … Inducted into the National Honor Society … Took part in the Model United Nations program … Wrote for Maury High’s literary magazine … Helped his high school tennis team to the Eastern District title in 2013 … Honored as team captain of the varsity tennis team … Competed in U.S. Tennis Association events … Credits the lessons he’s learned from playing golf with helping to advance his tennis game … Took advanced placement courses in Calculus, Creative Writing, Government, Economics, Environmental Science and Literature … Outside of the classroom, worked at Flamingo Joe’s restaurant … James Madison University.
Corey Lyons of Midlothian, Va., Midlothian High School ($1,500) – Distinguished honor roll … Academic letterwinner each year of high school … DECA Club, Marketing Club officer and a part of the Spirit Club as a prep … Taking a variety of honors and advanced placement courses … Visits nursing homes and helps in providing elderly care … Volunteers at local elementary schools as a teacher … Has also given of his time and talents as a volunteer at Randolph-Macon College … Operates an eBay business from his home … Member of the golf team and honored as team captain as a senior … Qualified individually for the Virginia High School League Group 3A Golf Championship in 2013 … Junior golf volunteer at Windy Hill Sports Complex in the Richmond area … Caddie at central Virginia’s Kinloch Golf Club … Virginia Tech.
Connor Messick of Oak Hill, Va., Chantilly High School ($1,000) – Appeared on the ‘A/B’ honor roll all four years of high school … A member of the National Honor Society … Honored as the student of the year in history as a junior … Took part in the Jeremiah Project with his church and helped to build houses and perform repairs for those less fortunate … Other activities outside the classroom include being a babysitter, as well as shoveling driveways and mowing lawns for families in the community … Donates food and gifts to people in need during the holiday season … Volunteer with FACETS (Fairfax Area Christian Emergency Transitional Services) … An active member of Floris United Methodist Church … A part of the golf team as a prep and honored as team captain his last three years … Has competed in numerous VSGA championships, as well as taking part in MAPGA tournaments, U.S. Golf Association qualifying rounds and Virginia High School League events … Also played baseball and basketball … University of Virginia.
Owen Nelis of Bluemont, Va., Woodgrove High School ($1,500) – Academic letterwinner all four years of high school and ‘All A’s’ honor roll in science and math throughout high school … Inducted into the National Honor Society … Selected to the Loudoun County Social Science Fair … Teaching assistant for an AP World History class as a junior … A part of the Catholic Youth organization … Four-year member of the varsity golf team where he was a multiple-time letterwinner … Also played baseball … Youth basketball referee and an assistant basketball coach for a youth squad … Participated in a church work camp trip each year throughout high school … Plays at Stoneleigh Golf and Country Club … Caddied at northern Virginia’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Club … University of Virginia.
Kate Nelson of Weems, Va., Lancaster High School ($1,000) – Appeared on the honor roll each year throughout high school … Inducted into the National Honor Society … Ranked among the top 15 students in her graduating class … President and founder of the French Club at Lancaster High … Earned the highest grade point average in French each year as a student … Also a member of the LEO Club and Key Club …A part of the area band as a prep … First chair in flute and first chair in symphonic band flute … Writer for her school’s website and is proficient in web design … A member of the swim team … Free Health Clinic volunteer … Works as a golf cart attendant at the Golden Eagle Golf Club … James Madison University.
Keith O’Connor of Roanoke, Va., William Byrd High School ($1,500) – Valedictorian of his graduating class … AP Scholar with honors … Blue Ridge District All-Academic / athletic team … Jefferson Scholar regional semifinalist … Nominated for Boys’ State … Scored in the top 20 percent of high school students in the 2012 National Financial Capability Challenge Test … Jefferson Scholar regional semifinalist … Student Council Association cabinet member and senior class treasurer … BETA Club member … As a part of the DECA Club, he helped to organize a regional competition and attended a fall leadership conference … Catholic Heart work camp volunteer … Sunday School teacher … Captain of the cross country team that won a district title … All-region selection in indoor track … Captain and all-district honoree in outdoor track … Plays golf with his family … Accepted in the Engineering School at the University of Virginia.
Matthew Padgett of Chesterfield, Va., Matoaca High School ($2,000) – A member of the National Honor Society, National Latin Honor Society and on the ‘A/B’ Honor Roll … In the process of becoming an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America … Helped lead Matoaca High School to a runner-up finish in the 2013 Virginia High School League 5A State Championship … Cart boy at The First Tee of Chesterfield and a part of The First Tee Mentor Program … Scored back-to-back holes in one on May 5, 2012 … Also a member of the high school tennis team … Bridgewater College.
Benjamin Perkins of Charlottesville, Va., Charlottesville High School ($1,000) – An AP Scholar with honors … Hugh O’Brien Leadership Award recipient … Attended a three-day leadership development seminar at James Madison University … Appeared on the honor roll throughout high school … Camp counselor at a Muscular Dystrophy Association camp … Took a mission trip to Nicaragua … Member of the church youth group at Westminster Presbyterian Church … A talented musician who was a part of the string ensemble and concert orchestra as a prep … Youth basketball team coach … Organized the floor hockey club at his high school … Four-year member of the varsity golf team and honored as team captain as a senior … Selected as the most improved player his junior season … Also played varsity baseball and basketball … Christopher Newport University.
Abigail Power of Alexandria, Va., Hayfield High School ($1,500 Spencer-Wilkinson Award sponsored by the VSGA Women’s Division) – One of two students selected to represent Hayfield High for the Virginia Governor’s School for the Humanities where she spent July 2013 on the campus of Radford University taking part in the program … National award winner of the AP Scholar … Sophomore class representative for the Hugh O’Brien Leadership Seminar … Placed in the top three in the school’s Science Fair … A member in good standing of the National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Math Honor Society, History Honor Society and Quill and Scroll … A member of the yearbook staff … Has been a member of her high school and/or club track, cross country, soccer, lacrosse and swimming teams as well as being an avid recreational golfer … The first chair cellist in the all-district orchestra … University of Virginia
Alexander Rivera of Norfolk, Va., Granby High School ($1,000) – Entered the Norfolk County Schools’ rigorous IB program as a freshman and took college level courses throughout high school … Gifted program member … Norfolk Young Life participant … Academic interests include pursuing studies in physical therapy … Member of the varsity golf and soccer teams … As a part of the golf team, was a two-time Eastern District champion (2012-13) and the Regional 6A South champion in 2013 … Honored as team most valuable player his junior and senior seasons … All-region and all-district selection in soccer … Christopher Newport University.
Michael Sciorra of Centreville, Va., Chantilly High School ($1,000) – A member of the Academic Honor Roll for maintaining a 3.8 grade point average or better … Inducted into the National Honor Society … Chantilly High School Outstanding Student recognition … Honorable mention accolades for his Science Fair project … He and his sister started the Cookies 2 Fight Cancer fundraiser to help with ovarian cancer research … A member of the varsity golf, baseball and basketball teams … All-state, all-Northern Region and all-district selection in golf … Honored with the Coach’s Award in golf as a senior and took home the Sportsmanship Award as a part of the baseball team … A member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Centreville United Methodist Youth Group … James Madison University.
Wesley Smith of Martinsville, Va., Carlisle School ($1,500) – Carlisle School’s Trustee’s list member given for students who maintain higher than a 4.0 grade point average … Wendy’s High School Heisman award recipient … Student Council Association president … A member of the National Honor Society … Junior marshal at closing exercises … Strategic Gaming Club … Part of the Carlisle School Mentoring Program … First-team all-state selection as a member of the golf team and honored as team most valuable player as well as conference player of the year… Works in the golf shop at Chatmoss Country Club … James Madison University.
Baylee Snead of South Boston, Va., Halifax County High School ($1,500 Spencer-Wilkinson Award sponsored by the VSGA Women’s Division) – Ranked among the top five students in her graduating class … AP Scholar Award recipient … A member of the National Honor Society … Four perfect SOL scores … Honored as team captain of the cross country and tennis teams at Halifax County High … Also a part of the tennis, indoor track (all-district selection), wrestling, basketball and swimming teams … Other activities include being a part of the Ecology Team and French Club … Has volunteered with the Halifax County Rescue squad for two and a half years … Each summer is an instructor / helper at a tennis camp for elementary school to middle school kids … Began playing golf three years ago and aspires to play club golf in college … Randolph College.
Alexandria Sobers of Virginia Beach, Va., Maury High School ($1,500) – A member of the Academic Honor Roll, earned High Honors and recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award … Youth Migrant Ministry Gold Award recipient … A member of the National Honor Society, Latin Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society … Academic achievements placed her in a variety of AP courses … Takes part in Young Life, the Latin Club, PINK Club (cancer awareness) and Phoenix is Rising Club … Honored as captain and team most valuable player in golf and softball … Volunteer at VSGA and U.S. Kids’ Golf events … Academic interests include pre-medicine work … Old Dominion University.
Nyomi Tarpley of Martinsville, Va., Martinsville High School ($1,000) – Maintained a 3.99 grade point average or higher throughout her high school career … Wendy’s High School Heisman recognition in 2013 … A member of the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society … Earned the Barbara James Service Award for performing between 250 and 350 hours of community service … Upward Bound Math and Science student … Owns a Certified Nursing Association state license … Nominated for the Senate Youth Leadership Program … Involved in the Youth Leadership Development Program with the local Chamber of Commerce … Varsity cheerleader and a part of the BETA Club … A member of the varsity golf team and varsity swimming team … Won the 15-18-year-old division at the Henry County Junior Golf Tournament on two occasions … Lynchburg College.
Elena West of Roanoke, Va., Northside High School ($1,500 Spencer-Wilkinson Award sponsored by the VSGA Women’s Division) – Ranked first in her graduating class … Head Junior Marshall and senior class representative … A member of the National Honor Society (three years) and ‘A’ Honor Roll … Also a member of the Math Club, Spanish Club, Student Council and the Future Business Leaders of America… Involved with various volunteer groups, including Smart Beginnings and the United Way … Earned all-district accolades as a part of the varsity soccer and varsity volleyball squads … As a part of Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue, she works with horses that have been abandoned or abused. She helps to rehabilitate the animals and find them new homes. Her work includes grooming horses, cleaning stalls, feeding and changing water troughs … Banquet staff employee at Roanoke Country Club … Washington & Lee University.
FOR THE 18th TIME, STUDENTS WORKING TOWARD TURFGRASS DEGREES AT VIRGINIA TECH RECEIVED ASSISTANCE
Adam Boyd of Christiansburg, Va. ($1,500) – First year master’s student in Crop and Soil Environmental Science at Virginia Tech … Program is based heavily on research involving biosolids and other similar organic amendments … Overall purpose of his research is to explore and understand the impact of organic amendments on poor quality soil … Since graduating from Virginia Tech in 2005, he has worked at different golf courses on the East Coast as a golf course superintendent and assistant golf course superintendent, including at Auburn Hills Golf Club in Riner, Va. … Beginning in the summer and through his first semester of graduate school, he maintained a wage position through the Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Science … Has a goal of earning Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Environmental Science.
Sandeep Rana of Blacksburg, Va. ($1,500) – Studies center around working on selective control of annual bluegrass (Poa annua) and roughstalk bluegrass with PoaCure in creeping bentgrass and Kentucky bluegrass fairways … The research looks to the future and is an effort to expand our current weed control knowledge … Analyzing the factors that influence golf putt trajectory, such as annual bluegrass and other surface imperfections … Evaluating how Kentucky bluegrass cultivars respond to high rates of methiozolin needed to control annual bluegrass and roughstalk bluegrass … Notes that the presence of annual bluegrass on creeping bentgrass putting greens can significantly deteriorate the uniformity of the greens resulting in less uniform ball rolls and inconsistent putts … Indicates that the success of the research will not only help provide effective annual and roughstalk bluegrass control options for Kentucky bluegrass turf maintained at higher heights of cut, but also may steer cultivar choices toward those of highest tolerance to methiozolin … Graduated from the University of Arkansas with an M.S. in Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences and a major in Weed Science.
Chantel Wilson of Blacksburg, Va. ($1,500) – A second-year Ph.D. student in the Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences department at Virginia Tech … A graduate research assistant at Virginia Tech in the Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences … Former graduate research assistant at the University of Wisconsin’s Department of Plant Pathology and a past biological science aid / laboratory technician at the United States Department of Agriculture … Worked as a study technician at Covance Laboratories … Earned her M.S. in Plant Pathology from the University of Wisconsin and a B.A. in Biology from Hood College in Frederick, Md. (cum laude) … Has authored and published numerous articles and abstracts … Earned the Virginia Tech Training in Human Subjects Protection certificate … A past teaching assistant for Water Quality and Turfgrass Management at Virginia Tech … Goal is to teach environmental science at the college level while participating in turfgrass research and extension.
COLLEGE BOUND
A look at where VSGA Scholarship recipients are planning on attending college in the fall.
College
No. of VSGA Scholarship Recipients
University of Virginia
12 students
James Madison University
Eight students
Virginia Tech
Seven students
Bridgewater College
Four students
College of William & Mary
Three students
Christopher Newport University
Two students
Old Dominion University
Two students
Lynchburg College
One student
Randolph College
One student
Randolph-Macon College
One student
University of Richmond
One student
Washington & Lee University
One student
Virginia Tech (graduate school)
Three students