ASHLAND - Ten Hanover County Public Schools students received scholarships last Wednesday evening from the Ashland Strawberry Faire.
The recipients and the scholarships they honor are: Parker Cockrell, Norman Bugge; Savannah Smith, Dick Gillis, Randolph-Macon College; Tyler Cosley of Atlee High School, Tafi Yourtree.
Ryan Konecny of Atlee High School, Jay Pace; Reese Tunstall of Hanover High School, Tafi Yourtree; Jaala Brown of Hanover High School, Jay Pace; Harrison Phillips of Patrick Henry High School, Tafi Yourtree.
Katelynn Brown of Patrick Henry High School, Jay Pace; Caleb Carter of Lee-Davis High School, Tafi Yourtree; and Tyler Palicia of Lee-Davis High School, Jay Pace.
This is the second year the ASF Board of Directors has presented the scholarships.
President Sharon Chidsey opened the program, and welcomed recipient Tyler Palicia who had another engagement to attend. He brought his saxophone to show the audience his talent as he prepares for the fall when he will be attending Longwood University. He is pursuing a degree in music education, with the goal of becoming a music teacher. He has been the drum major at Atlee High.
Vice President Bob Flanagan said the Faire has been part of Ashland since 1982. As a nonprofit, he said the ASF has faced challenges - but now it is "stronger than ever."
That strength, he said, "translates greatly to good things for our community."
With pride, Flanagan noted that the Faire has given more than $85,000 in grant scholarships to nonprofits. He said the event is "successful -- rain or shine."
Food vendors are required to sponsor a nonprofit, but those funds do not become part of the running total. That means there are more monies going back to community.
Flanagan said the financial support to local nonprofits was one of the main reasons that the Faire was started.
He also said the "strong support from business partners and sponsor vendors pay the booth fees. It would be very expensive to run without the support of the local business community."
Lorie Foley, who serves as a consultant to the Faire board, extended thanks and acknowledged the Town of Ashland for sponsoring the Foundation Stage, where concerts and the Strawberry Pageant are held; the Hanover Arts & Activities Center, which provided use of the location for last week's program; and the Ashland Kiwanis Club, which, is "on board with us now."
Sponsors were recognized and received certificates, ASF stickers, and ASF mugs filled with strawberry-flavored candies. They include: Randolph-Macon College; The Mechanicsville Local and Ashland-Hanover Local; The Center (HAAC); Town of Ashland; and Saint James The Less.
Betty La Place, scholarship coordinator for the ASF, introduced Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of HCPS, who spoke briefly about the significance of the scholarships to the recipients and the system.
Scholarship recipients shared their future plans during the program.
- Savannah Smith is pursuing a career in public service at R-MC.
- Parker Cockrell plans to attend Reynolds Community College, with a goal of becoming an electrician.
- Ryan Konecny will study multi-media and take part on the track and field team at Virginia Tech.
- Jaala Brown will major in communications at George Mason University.
-Tyler Palicia will major in journalism at Washington & Lee University.
-Caitlin Brown will major in communications at Virginia Tech.
-Reese Tunstall will major in music education and jazz, as well as study musical theatre at Christopher Newport University.
- Caleb Carter plans to attend the University of North Carolina in Wilmington, where he will have a double major in film and theatre. His goal is to become a director.
-Harrison Phillips was unable to attend as he was performing in a school play.
The 2019 Ashland Strawberry Faire will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, on the campus of Randolph-Macon College.
