Bank of Botetourt awarded $7,000 through its 2026 Scholarship and Graduation Grant Programs, recognizing students connected to the bank for their academic achievement, leadership, community involvement and commitment to future success.
The were presented through three annual initiatives— the Hayth High School Graduation Grant, the “Focused on You” Community Scholarship and the Bank of Botetourt William Fleming High School Scholarship.
Now in its third year, the Hayth High School Graduation Grant was established in 2024 to support Bank of Botetourt employees whose children are graduating high school seniors. For the Class of 2026, the bank awarded a total of $4,000 in grants to recipients representing James River High School, Lord Botetourt High School, Cave Spring High School, Acellus Academy and Rockbridge County High School– Sarah Seay, Garrett Honts, Layla Halsey, Cadyn Woolridge, Serenity Shearer, Nolan Burrows, Landon Hayes, and Aaron Petty.
“It is an honor to be associated with a grant that supports students as they pursue their educational goals,” said G. Lyn Hayth, former chief executive officer and current vice chairman of the Bank of Botetourt Board of Directors. “Education has always been a cornerstone of my life and career, and it remains a vital foundation for opportunity and long-term financial stability. This program reflects the bank’s commitment to investing in its employees and the next generation.”
The bank also awarded its 10th annual “Focused on You” Community Scholarships to three students pursuing higher education and careers that will positively impact their communities.
Chelsy Hall, a student at Hollins University, received a $1,000 scholarship and plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, with a focus on providing accessible care for animals in rural communities.
Breely Mitchell, a recent Lord Botetourt High School graduate, received a $600 scholarship and will attend Elon University, where she plans to study education and become a mathematics teacher.
James Knox, a homeschooled student, received a $400 scholarship and will attend Grove City College in Pennsylvania to study mechanical engineering.
Bank of Botetourt also awarded its fifth annual William Fleming High School Scholarship, recognizing graduating seniors for their academic achievement, leadership and future aspirations. This year’s recipients are: Aveyah Graham, who received a $500 scholarship and will attend Winston-Salem State University to study nursing with a minor in physical therapy; and Ernesto Gomez Meza, who received a $500 scholarship and will attend Swarthmore College to study economics while continuing his collegiate soccer career.
Since establishing these Scholarship and Graduation Grant Programs, Bank of Botetourt has awarded more than $29,500 to 63 students, reflecting the bank’s long-standing commitment to expanding educational opportunities and investing in the next generation of leaders throughout the communities it serves.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
