Historic Fincastle, Inc. (HFI) recently awarded scholarships to students at James River High School and Lord Botetourt High School. Established in 1999, the Elizabeth and Israel Christian Scholarship is presented annually by HFI to honor Fincastle’s history and support local students. This year’s research essay theme asked students to explain how a person from Botetourt County in 1776 supported the Revolutionary War effort. Established in 2016, the Pat Simmons and Sally Eads Volunteer Scholarship honors two women recognized for their many years of volunteer service to the Town of Fincastle and HFI. Pat Simmons was a longtime educator in Botetourt County Public Schools and at Virginia Western Community College. Sally Eads was a history professor at Virginia Western Community College and served on the Botetourt County School Board. Since these scholarships were established, HFI has awarded more than $35,000 to support Botetourt County students.
Photos courtesy of HFI
On May 12, HFI President Patsy Dickerson presented the Elizabeth and Israel Christian Scholarship, valued at $1,250, to Lillian Tingler. Lillian wrote her essay about Col. William Preston and plans to attend Liberty University this fall. She is the daughter of Keith and Andrea Tingler and lives in Eagle Rock.
The Pat Simmons and Sally Eads Volunteer Scholarship, valued at $750, was awarded to Keira Crawford, who has been very active in volunteering with Special Olympics. She plans on attending Mountain Gateway Community College. Keira is the daughter of Angela and John Crawford of Eagle Rock.
On May 15, the scholarships were presented at Lord Botetourt High School’s Senior Awards Ceremony. Alexa Gurley received the Elizabeth and Israel Christian Scholarship. Her research essay focused on General Andrew Lewis, and she plans to attend Roanoke College this fall. Alexa is the daughter of Tony and Melissa Gurley of Blue Ridge.
Karleigh Brown received the Pat Simmons and Sally Eads Volunteer Scholarship. She has been active in volunteering through her church and the area’s Young Life camp, and she plans to attend either James Madison University or Liberty University in the fall. Karleigh is the daughter of Thomas and Heather Brown of Roanoke.
~ HFI
