Historic Fincastle Inc. has announced its scholarship winners for the 2019-2020 academic year. Winners were chosen based on their academics, involvement in school activities, essays, and volunteerism.
The Elizabeth and Israel Christian Scholarship is offered to commemorate the history of Fincastle and to encourage and support students from the local community. Elizabeth and Israel Christian were early founders of the Town of Fincastle who donated the land for the original county courthouse, jail, and “Established church.” While the buildings are not the originals, the courthouse, old jail, and current Fincastle Presbyterian Church are still on those sites 247 years later. The writing of an historical essay by each candidate is a prominent part of this scholarship application. This is the 22nd year this scholarship has been awarded.
Abbagail Link was selected as the winner from James River High School. A member of the track team, her activities included working at Mill Creek Child Care and volunteering at Solomon’s Mission in Buchanan. Along with outside activities, Abbagail was also a member of Key Club, the National Honor Society, and Student Council as well as other school clubs. She plans to major in Computer Science at Virginia Western Community College beginning Spring 2021.
Ethan Webster was chosen as the winner from Lord Botetourt High School. He was captain of the outdoor and indoor track teams, ran cross country, and was involved in several organizations at LBHS including YOVASO and Debate Team. Ethan’s community service included the Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition (RAYSAC), and Botetourt Prevention Coalition. He will begin his studies at Virginia Military Institute this August.
The Pat Simmons & Sally Eads Volunteer Scholarship was created as a way to honor the lives of these two women and their long history of volunteerism to the Town of Fincastle and beyond. This scholarship rewards students who have gone above and beyond in their volunteer work for others. This is the fifth year this scholarship has been awarded.
MacKenzie Seebo was awarded this scholarship for James River High School. She was active in the high school band where she served as drum major. She volunteered with the Virginia Horse Rescue program and has been active in Ryan’s Case For Smiles, Alleghany Chapter. In addition to Marching Band, she participated in Interact Club and James River Service Day. MacKenzie plans to major in cyber security and cyber operations at Old Dominion University beginning Spring 2021.
The mission of Historic Fincastle Inc. (HFI) is to support the preservation of the historical, physical, cultural, and natural resources of Fincastle and its surroundings. In past years HFI has awarded over $23,000 in scholarships to college bound students from Botetourt County. Scholarship applications are available in the school counseling departments at the two high schools each year in January of the academic year. The deadline for submitting an entry will be in March.
