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The Isle of Wight Training School/Westside High School Legacy Group Inc. recently honored its 2022 scholarship recipients with a luncheon at Dock of the Bay restaurant in Carrollton.

Each year the scholarship is given to one or more high school seniors from Smithfield High School and Windsor High School to honor the legacy of an alumnus of Isle of Wight Training School/Westside High School, a former educator or a community leader who impacted its legacy in some way.  This year the organization honored the memory of Sandra Irving Napper, who was one of the original organizers and first president of the Legacy Group.

As a part of the application process each applicant had to write a 250- to 500-word essay that listed academic goals and life ambitions.  They had to state their intention to enroll in a two- or four-year college or a vocational career training program.

The six recipients, who each received a $1,000 scholarship, are:

• Kristiana Jones, SHS, daughter of Alona Williams and Christopher Jones. She will use her award to help cover some of the costs to attend Old Dominion University in Norfolk. Her goal is to become a music teacher/songwriter/composer.
•  Chelsey Brown, WHS, daughter of LaTonya Brown.  She will use her scholarship to attend Old Dominion University and major in criminal justice.
• Ariana Stubbs, WHS, daughter of David and Tabitha King. She plans to receive instruction to become a master esthetician.
• Sayone Greene, SHS, daughter of Tasia Day and Carlos Greene. She will attend Virginia State University in Petersburg and ultimately become a nurse anesthetist.
• Ashley Price, WHS, daughter of Dashelle Price and Stanley Matthews. She plans to attend Tidewater Community College and major in health information.
• Jaylah Green, WHS, daughter of Micheal and Regina Birden-Green. She will attend George Mason University in Fairfax, where she will major in business management/marketing.

The scholarships help the Legacy Group to fulfill its motto, “Gift an Education … Launch a Dream.”

The nonprofit, tax -exempt charitable foundation was established April 2, 2018, as a spin-off of the IWTS/WHS Reunion Committee.  It started as a subcommittee charged with looking into raising funds for scholarships in recognition of the legacy of segregated education in Isle of Wight County. Funds have been raised via contributions from IWTS/WHS alumni, family members who attended, contributions made in lieu of flowers for deceased family members and from Legacy members working during the various SmithfieldVA Events at Windsor Castle Park.

“All contributions, regardless of the amount, are greatly appreciated,” said Sherman L. Addison, president. “However, the Legacy Group was most fortunate with another generous contribution from Ms. Dolores Cherrington and her mother, Mrs. Josephine Cherrington (now deceased) of Portsmouth, Virginia. Ms. Dolores Cherrington was in attendance at the recently held Scholarship Luncheon Program and provided well received advice and inspiration to the recipients on achieving their educational goals and career aspirations.”

Cherrington is a longtime friend of Edna Addison, secretary of the Reunion Committee and sister of the president of the Legacy Group.

The group has awarded $15,000 in scholarships to 15 graduates from high schools in the county since its founding four years ago. All contributions have been used for scholarships.

Donations can be sent payable to: IWTS/WHS Legacy Group, Inc. P. O. Box 279 Carrollton, VA  23314.  The Legacy Group encourages readers to take a look at its Facebook page for more information and to consider becoming a member.  For additional information Google “Isle of Wight Training School/Westside High School Legacy Group” or contact any of its members: Judy Brown Roberts, Olivia Chapman Crawley, George A. Bradby and Timmie Edwards.