RICHMOND — The Virginia Baptist Foundation awarded scholarships totaling $70,625 to 41 recipients for 2008-2009 at its Scholarship Recipient's Reception June 8 at the Virginia Baptist Resource Center.
The scholarship reception was a first-time event for the Foundation, drawing a gathering of approximately 135 people into the chapel to celebrate the announcement of scholarships. The recipients include:
Scholarship recipients gather in the courtyard at the Virginia Baptist Resource Center.
UNDERGRADUATE
• Holly E. Akins, Midlothian
• Brittney L. Clifton, Norfolk
• Travis L. Crump, Hardyville
• Angela H. Deeds, Lynchburg
• Rebecca E. Downs, Deltaville
• Annamarie R. Elmore, Petersburg
• Jessica L. Fletcher, Midlothian
• Amy G. Fitzgerald, Chester
• Megan A. Grizzard, Richmond
• Amber N. Hare, Victoria
• Richard J. Hare, Victoria
• Kyle R. Harris, Ridgeway
• Michael T. Heffington, Suffolk
• Christina M. Jewell, Verona
• Celia E. Jones, Brookneal
• Virginia J. Lightfoot, Amherst
• Joshua T. Madison, Madison Heights
• Amanda B. McMillian, Collinsville
• Mattie M. Patterson, Sedley
• Kristen M. Robertson, Norfolk
• Amy B. Scott, Roanoke
• Melissa A. Shepherd, Farmville
• Lauren A. Simpkins, St. Stephens Church
• Kyle C. Smith, Fredericksburg
• Philip L. Stanley, Vesuvius
• Catlin E. Thompson, Mechanicsville
• Caleb A. Vass, Floyd
• Joel K. Wallace, Virginia Beach
• Mark W. Willis, Altavista
• John M. Worth, Boykins
GRADUATE
• Carter E. Bearden III, Glen Allen
• Laura Buonanduci, Norfolk
• Audrey B. Davis, Richmond
• Jonathan H. Davis, Richmond
•
Eric B. Fulcher, Chesterfield
• Nancy B. Moore, Ivor
• Julie R. Perry, Charlottesville
• Matthew D. Roberts, Emporia
• Erin A. Rourke, Mechanicsville
• Karen A. Vassar, Gladys
• Jan Vezikov, Falls Church
A variety of educational institutions were represented among the recipients, including Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, Bluefield College, Bridgewater College, Carson-Newman College, Cedarville University, Chowan University, Christopher Newport University, College of William and Mary, Ferrum College, Gardner-Webb University, James Madison University, Liberty University, Longwood University, Meredith College, Old Dominion University, Ouachita Baptist University, Radford University, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Sweet Briar College, University of Mary Washington, University of Richmond, University of South Carolina, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Wingate University.
Among the 41 scholarship recipients were four students recognized as VBF Scholars. The VBF Scholars were awarded scholarships named for the Foundation's trustee emeriti.
Foundation president Ron Hall greets recipients at reception.
The Bernard Walton Mahon Scholarship was awarded to Karen A. Vassar of Gladys. The Aubrey Raymond Pentecost Jr. Scholarship was awarded to Kristen M. Robertson of Norfolk. The Christine China Phillips Scholarship was awarded to Rebecca E. Downs of Deltaville. The Ken McFarlane Smith Scholarship was awarded to Julie R. Perry of Charlottesville.
Each of the VBF Scholars received a $4,000 scholarship award.
Ronald C. Hall, president and CEO of the Foundation, ,said, “The Foundation has been immeasurably blessed by the labors of these four individuals. Collectively they represent one hundred and twenty-two years of Kingdom service to this organization and to the Virginia Baptist family. We are indeed thankful.”
The Scholarship Committee of the Foundation evaluated 85 scholarships through a very objective process. Ann F. Brown, chair of the Foundation's scholarship committee said, “The Virginia Baptist Foundation received a record number of scholarship applications this year. The scholarship committee was impressed with the applicants' academic accomplishments, testimonies and future plans, and we were touched by the ways families are struggling to finance their children's educations. We are grateful for the generosity of Virginia Baptists that allows us to help students afford college, seminary or graduate school.”
Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply for scholarships from the Virginia Baptist Foundation each year. Information and application forms for 2009-2010 may be obtained by visiting the Foundation's website (www.vbfinc.org.), after January 1, 2009.
Please visit our website to view the slide show presentation of scholarship awards.
Ricky Hurst is director of donor relations for the Virginia Baptist Foundation.