The Isle of Wight Ruritan Club recently announced three recipients of its annual scholarships.  Three $1,000 awards went to three graduating seniors from Smithfield High School, Isle of Wight Academy and Windsor High School.

The scholarship program was developed to support education costs. The program is based on the premise of giving back to the community, and as such is awarded to those individuals who most demonstrate a willingness of community involvement.

The awards were funded by Ruritan service projects such as its famous Brunswick stew cooking in February and November each year, food sales at the Isle of Wight County Fair food booth, and several take-out food drives carried out during the pandemic. The funds raised go to support the Isle of Wight community in the form of student scholarships, donations to local police, volunteer fire and rescue departments, and aid to neighbors in need.

A group of strong candidates applied from the three high schools and from homeschools in the area. Selectees of the 2021 scholarships are:

 

Isle of Wight Academy

Molly Elizabeth Johnson of Smithfield intends to pursue studies in health sciences and a doctorate in occupational therapy. She is president of the National Honor Society, vice president of the National Spanish Honor Society, and a member of the Key Club. She co-captained the varsity cross country team, is a YMCA lifeguard and swim instructor, and serves as a gymnastics coach. Her community service includes the Jeremiah Project Youth Mission Team, the Navajo Nation Mission Team, Appalachia Service Project, and Sunday School teacher’s assistant. As a college study, she hopes to continue her mission work and participate in campus organizations such as Young Life and Habitat for Humanity.

 

Smithfield High School

Daniel Luke Scrivanich of Smithfield plans to major in finance with a minor in accounting and also has a strong interest in entrepreneurship. His athletics and extra-curricular activities include varsity football, the Smithfield High DECA Team, and lifeguarding at the YMCA. He is active in Boy Scouts of America and worked his way up to Eagle Scout, with service projects including Stop Hunger Now and the Isle of Wight County Animal Shelter. He plans to continue his service during college through trash clean-up events, assisting animals, and creating/promoting a new way to reduce pollution in the oceans, specifically plastics.

 

Windsor High School

Chase Parke Porter of Windsor plans to major in engineering. He is active in school, church and community through Eagle Scouting, Boys State 2020, varsity soccer, Elevate Church vacation Bible school, and Beta Club. He has also helped his brother and the Carrsville Ruritan Club through remodeling their cooking shed. He plans to continue helping others in need and joining the Carrsville Ruritan Club.

 

The Isle of Wight Ruritan Club was founded in October 1948, and it is a civic service organization focused on fellowship, goodwill and community service. It meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Isle of Wight Ruritan Club across from the courthouse on Courthouse Highway.