SLT Performing Arts & Education Scholarship
The Smithfield Little Theatre Performing Arts & Education Scholarship Fund was created in honor of our 50th year Anniversary. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial support to a deserving student who has shown interest in the performing arts and is pursuing higher education at a two or four year accredited college or university.
SLT will be awarding a onetime $1,500.00 (one thousand-five hundred dollars) scholarship each year to a **high school graduating senior in the Western Tidewater area and Surry, which includes: Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Franklin and Southampton County. SLT PARTICIPANTS and VOLUNTEERS (only) may apply regardless of their geographical area. In the event an eligible H.S. senior isn’t chosen, a current undergraduate student, that meets all the criteria, will be considered.
The scholarship recipient will be evaluated by a selection board appointed by the scholarship chairperson; independent from the Smithfield Little Theatre Board of Directors.
SLT will be awarding a onetime $1,500.00 (one thousand-five hundred dollars) scholarship each year to a **high school graduating senior in the Western Tidewater area and Surry, which includes: Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Franklin and Southampton County. SLT PARTICIPANTS and VOLUNTEERS (only) may apply regardless of their geographical area. In the event an eligible H.S. senior isn’t chosen, a current undergraduate student, that meets all the criteria, will be considered.
The scholarship recipient will be evaluated by a selection board appointed by the scholarship chairperson; independent from the Smithfield Little Theatre Board of Directors.
Criteria for Applicants
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Payment of Scholarship Benefits
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The SLT Performing Arts & Education Scholarship will be paid upon receipt of an original “Proof of Enrollment” statement on school letterhead. The check will be made payable to the applicant and the college or university, jointly. The applicant must provide the schools policy for “proof of enrollment” within ten (10) days of being awarded the scholarship. The recipient will then be assigned a deadline date to submit verification of enrollment.
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IMPORTANT DATES
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Application Deadline:
Award Announced by: Proof of Enrollment (college’s policy): Check disbursed: Request Check - Deadline: |
Friday, March 17th, 2023
Friday, May 19th, 2023 MUST respond within ten (10) days of award letter. After original “proof of enrollment” received Friday, September 8th, 2023 |
Scholarship Mission Statement and Criteria for Applicants
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Scholarship Application
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Scholarship Donation Form
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For those interested in donating please download the Scholarship Donation Form and follow the instructions.
The Smithfield Little Theatre Board of Directors and the Scholarship Fund committee
would like to thank the generous contributors to our scholarship fund.
Benefactor: Farmers Bank (Richard Holland) $5,000.00
COMMUNITY FRIENDS:
would like to thank the generous contributors to our scholarship fund.
Benefactor: Farmers Bank (Richard Holland) $5,000.00
COMMUNITY FRIENDS:
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Anonymous Donors
Jim and Elaine Abicht Ray and Shirley Barlow Capt. F.M. Barrett Mr and Mrs M.T. Bloxom Barbara Bonney Steve and Darnell Bowler Elizabeth G. Bradshaw Adele and Andrew Brooks Drs. Scotty Buchanan and Lloyd Faul Jacquelyn A. Clark Bob and Paula Cole Ken Congleton and Barbara Redd Colonial Funeral Home William and Jane Constant Virginia Cramer Marty and Nancy Lynn Delk Dominion Foundation Matching Gift Program (in care of Lois Little) Bobbi Donnelly Leslie and Felix Dunaway Catherine B. Duncan Helen Edwards J. Groves John and Elaine Hallinger Hallwood Enterprises, Inc. Hallwood Properties I, LLC John R. and Lousie J. Harrup Mike Hildreth |
Dr and Mrs Bernard F. Jamison
Home Sweet Home Care, Inc. Hinton D. Hurff, Sr. Robert S. Jones William Laine Lewis and Sandy Little Lois Little Peter and Angie Lowry of Decorating Den Interiors Joseph and Theresa Mattingly Martha and Mack McLean Vincent J. Mollura Jean and John Moody Wayne Nast Gus and Rose Nurney Nell and Sonny Owen Catherine Owens In Memory of Jim Groves Thomas VanPetten Don and Carol Rhoton Farris and Eulane Rose Smithfield Foods Incorporated - Employees Smithfield Little Theatre - Concessions Smithfield Packing Co., Inc - Employees Cliff and Goldie Stewart Billye and Bob Walton Charles and Rosemarie White Joyce and Rex Williams Bert and Eddie K. Willard James and Patricia Yoder James and Dianna Yoko Jack and Nan York |
2022 SLT Scholarship Presentation
Rachel Hall
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Matthew Miller
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Aubrey Price
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Smithfield Little Theatre officially announces, THREE (3) winners of the annual SLT Performing Arts and Education Scholarship; in its eleventh year.
Aubrey Price of Smithfield High School attending James Madison University, Matthew Miller of Windsor High School attending Virginia Tech and Rachel Hall former home schooled student attends The American Musical Dramatic Academy were chosen from among many fine, well-qualified, talented students throughout Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin, and Southampton County. They will EACH be awarded a one-time $1,500.00 (one thousand-five hundred dollars) scholarship.**
They plan to pursue degrees in Marketing, Biology and Dance Theatre, respectively.
Their parents are Mr. & Mrs. Jason & Amber Price, Mr. & Mrs. Mark & Carmen Miller and Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Leigh Hall, respectively.
Congratulations TO ALL!
Aubrey Price of Smithfield High School attending James Madison University, Matthew Miller of Windsor High School attending Virginia Tech and Rachel Hall former home schooled student attends The American Musical Dramatic Academy were chosen from among many fine, well-qualified, talented students throughout Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin, and Southampton County. They will EACH be awarded a one-time $1,500.00 (one thousand-five hundred dollars) scholarship.**
They plan to pursue degrees in Marketing, Biology and Dance Theatre, respectively.
Their parents are Mr. & Mrs. Jason & Amber Price, Mr. & Mrs. Mark & Carmen Miller and Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Leigh Hall, respectively.
Congratulations TO ALL!
2022 Scholarship Selection Committee
**The Selection Board consisted of Hugh Copeland, Executive Director of Hurrah Players; Susan Babiy-Lawrence, Suffolk Cultural Arts Center retired Executive Director and Elaine Abicht, Smithfield Foods retired Executive, co-owner of The Christmas Store of Smithfield and co-founder of the non-profit Smithfield Music. They independently deliberated to process the various applicants; the individual results were tabulated, and final candidates were confirmed.
2020 SLT Scholarship Presentation
Penelope Franklin
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Smithfield Little Theatre officially announces, the winners of the annual SLT Performing Arts and Education Scholarship; in its ninth year.
Smithfield Little Theatre officially announces, two winners of the annual SLT Performing Arts and Education Scholarship; in its ninth year. Colby Cook of Smithfield High School attending Randolph College and Penelope Franklin of James Madison University were chosen from among many fine, well-qualified, talented students throughout Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin, and Southampton County. They will each be awarded a one-time $1,500.00 (one thousand-five hundred dollars) scholarship.** They plan to pursue degrees in Communications & Sports Management, and Communication Sciences & Disorders, respectively. Their parents are Mr. & Mrs. Milton & Kirstin Cook, and Mr. & Mrs. Rheh & Bonnie Franklin, respectively. Congratulations TO ALL! |
Colby Cook
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2020 Scholarship Selection Committee
**The Selection Board consisted of Hugh Copeland, Executive Director of Hurrah Players; Susan Babiy-Lawrence, Executive Director of Suffolk Cultural Arts Center and Elaine Abicht, Smithfield Foods retired Executive, co-owner of The Christmas Store of Smithfield and co-founder of the non-profit Smithfield Music. They independently deliberated to process the various applicants; the individual results were tabulated, and final candidates were confirmed.
2019 SLT Scholarship Presentation
Elizabeth Kitchen
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Smithfield Little Theatre officially announces, the winner of the annual SLT Performing Arts and Education Scholarship; in its eighth year.
Elizabeth Kitchen, of Smithfield High School, attending Thomas Nelson Community College was chosen from among many fine, well-qualified, talented students throughout Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin and Southampton County. She will be awarded a one-time $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) scholarship.** She plans to pursue a Science degree. Her parents are and Mr. & Mrs. John & Pam Kitchen of Carrollton. Congratulations Elizabeth! |
2019 Scholarship Selection Committee
**The Selection Board consisted of Hugh Copeland, Executive Director of Hurrah Players; Susan Babiy-Lawrence, Executive Director of Suffolk Cultural Arts Center and Elaine Abicht, Smithfield Foods Executive, co-owner of The Christmas Store of Smithfield and co-founder of the non-profit Smithfield Music. They independently deliberated to process the various applicants; the individual results were tabulated and final candidates were confirmed.
2018 SLT Scholarship Presentation
Emily Wilda
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Vaughn Briggs
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Smithfield Little Theatre officially announces, TWO (2) winners of the annual SLT Performing Arts and Education Scholarship; in its seventh year.
Emily Wilda of Isle of Wight Academy, attending Christopher Newport University and Vaughn Briggs of Smithfield High School, attending Virginia Tech University were chosen from among many fine, well-qualified, talented students throughout Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin and Southampton County. They will EACH be awarded a one-time $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) scholarship.**
They plan to pursue majors in Business and Meteorology, respectively.
Their parents are and Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Kristin Wilda of Smithfield and Mr. and Mrs. Robb & Lynn Briggs of Smithfield, respectively.
Congratulations TO ALL!
Emily Wilda of Isle of Wight Academy, attending Christopher Newport University and Vaughn Briggs of Smithfield High School, attending Virginia Tech University were chosen from among many fine, well-qualified, talented students throughout Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin and Southampton County. They will EACH be awarded a one-time $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) scholarship.**
They plan to pursue majors in Business and Meteorology, respectively.
Their parents are and Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Kristin Wilda of Smithfield and Mr. and Mrs. Robb & Lynn Briggs of Smithfield, respectively.
Congratulations TO ALL!
2018 Scholarship Selection Committee
**The Selection Board consisted of Hugh Copeland, Executive Director of Hurrah Players; Susan Babiy-Lawrence, Director of Development, Suffolk Cultural Arts Center and Elaine Abicht, Smithfield Packing Executive, co-owner of The Christmas Store of Smithfield and co-founder of the non-profit Smithfield Music. They independently deliberated to process the various applicants; the individual results were tabulated and final candidates were confirmed.
2017 SLT Scholarship Presentation
Kendall Stalls
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Kimberly Marchant
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Stacey Sharpe
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Smithfield Little Theatre officially announces, for the second time, THREE (3) winners of the annual SLT Performing Arts and Education Scholarship; in its sixth year.
Stacey Sharpe of Nansemond River High School, attending Virginia Commonwealth University, Kendall Stalls of Smithfield High School, attending University of South Carolina and Kimberly Marchant formerly Smithfield High School, currently a student of James Madison University, were chosen from among many fine, well-qualified, talented students throughout Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin and Southampton County. They will EACH be awarded a one-time $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) scholarship.**
They plan to pursue majors in Instrumental Music Education; Pre Med/Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology; and Health Sciences/Pre-Physicians, respectively.
Their parents are Mr. and Mrs. Eric & Gloria Sharpe of Suffolk; Mr. & Mrs. James & Tracy Stalls of Carrollton; and Mr. & Mrs. Howard & Meredith Marchant of Smithfield, respectively.
Congratulations TO ALL!
Stacey Sharpe of Nansemond River High School, attending Virginia Commonwealth University, Kendall Stalls of Smithfield High School, attending University of South Carolina and Kimberly Marchant formerly Smithfield High School, currently a student of James Madison University, were chosen from among many fine, well-qualified, talented students throughout Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin and Southampton County. They will EACH be awarded a one-time $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) scholarship.**
They plan to pursue majors in Instrumental Music Education; Pre Med/Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology; and Health Sciences/Pre-Physicians, respectively.
Their parents are Mr. and Mrs. Eric & Gloria Sharpe of Suffolk; Mr. & Mrs. James & Tracy Stalls of Carrollton; and Mr. & Mrs. Howard & Meredith Marchant of Smithfield, respectively.
Congratulations TO ALL!
2016 Scholarship Selection Committee
**The Selection Board consisted of Hugh Copeland, Executive Director of Hurrah Players; Susan Babiy-Lawrence, Director of Development, Suffolk Cultural Arts Center and Elaine Abicht, Smithfield Packing Executive, co-owner of The Christmas Store of Smithfield and co-founder of the non-profit Smithfield Music. They independently deliberated to process the various applicants; the individual results were tabulated and final candidates were confirmed.
2016 SLT Scholarship Presentation
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Smithfield Little Theatre officially announces the winner of the fifth annual SLT Performing Arts and Education Scholarship.
Dustyn W. Bain, a senior at Windsor High School, was chosen from among several fine, well-qualified, talented students throughout Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin and Southampton County. He will be awarded a one-time $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) scholarship.**Dustyn will be attending James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He has plans to pursue a Major in Theatre Education and Athletic Training and will use this scholarship to achieve that goal. James Madison University recently awarded Dustyn a theatre scholarship as well. Dustyn has been more of a scholar throughout school, but once bitten by the 'thespian bug' he discovered a whole new 'inner' person. "One can't be affected by something as much as I have been affected by theatre and not wish to pursue it......it has changed my life." In the future, Dustyn plans to teach theatre because he hopes to present other young people with the same world of self expression his teacher afforded him through theatre; to quote Dustyn from his essay "a world of creativity and self expression; a whole new world of possibilities." He is the son of Tommie Bain and Michele Marsee of Windsor. Congratulations Dustyn! |
2016 Scholarship Selection Committee
**The Selection Board consisted of Hugh Copeland, Executive Director of Hurrah Players; Susan Babiy, Director of Development, Suffolk Cultural Arts Center and Elaine Abicht, Smithfield Packing Executive, co-owner of The Christmas Store of Smithfield and co-founder of the non-profit Smithfield Music. They independently deliberated to process the various applicants; the individual results were tabulated and a final candidate was confirmed.
2015 SLT Scholarship Presentation
W. Bradley Fielding
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Smithfield Little Theatre officially announces, for the first time, THREE (3) winners of the fourth annual SLT Performing Arts and Education Scholarship.
W. Bradley Fielding of Smithfield High School, attending Northwestern University, Hannah Dewing of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, attending Washington and Lee University and Lindsey Ball (not pictured) of Windsor High School, attending Liberty University were chosen from among many fine, well-qualified, talented students throughout Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin and Southampton County. They will EACH be awarded a one-time $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) scholarship.** They plan to pursue majors in Music, Theatre & Broadcast Journalism, and American Sign Language & Interpreting, respectively. Their parents are Mr. and Mrs. Stuart & Patricia Fielding of Smithfield, Mr. & Mrs. Andy & Mary Dewing of Suffolk, and Mr. & Mrs. James & Jamie Ball of Windsor, respectively. Congratulations TO ALL! |
Hannah Dewing
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2015 Scholarship Selection Committee
**The Selection Board consisted of Hugh Copeland, Executive Director of Hurrah Players; Susan Babiy, Director of Development, Suffolk Cultural Arts Center and Elaine Abicht, Smithfield Packing Executive, co-owner of The Christmas Store of Smithfield and co-founder of the non-profit Smithfield Music. They independently deliberated to process the various applicants; the individual results were tabulated and a final candidate was confirmed.
2014 SLT Scholarship Presentation
Smithfield Little Theatre officially announces the winner of the third annual SLT Performing Arts and Education Scholarship.
Lauren Peters, a senior at Smithfield High School, was chosen from among many fine, well-qualified, talented students throughout Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin and Southampton County. She will be awarded a one-time $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) scholarship.**
Lauren will be attending Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia.
Lauren has plans to pursue a Major in Music Education and will use this scholarship to achieve that goal. Longwood is also considering Lauren for a music scholarship at their university.
Lauren has been in several Smithfield Little Theater Productions with the most recent being “Hairspray”. She discovered her acting talent during a summer youth camp hosted by ISPY Productions, held at Smithfield Little Theatre.
In the near future, Lauren plans to teach music to the musically inclined and inspire others to discover their own musical talents. She wants others to strive to be the best they can be, just as she has done. To quote Lauren from her applicant essay, "I soar through the boundaries and shoot for the stars!"
She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Lynn Peters of Smithfield.
Congratulations Lauren!
Lauren Peters, a senior at Smithfield High School, was chosen from among many fine, well-qualified, talented students throughout Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin and Southampton County. She will be awarded a one-time $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) scholarship.**
Lauren will be attending Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia.
Lauren has plans to pursue a Major in Music Education and will use this scholarship to achieve that goal. Longwood is also considering Lauren for a music scholarship at their university.
Lauren has been in several Smithfield Little Theater Productions with the most recent being “Hairspray”. She discovered her acting talent during a summer youth camp hosted by ISPY Productions, held at Smithfield Little Theatre.
In the near future, Lauren plans to teach music to the musically inclined and inspire others to discover their own musical talents. She wants others to strive to be the best they can be, just as she has done. To quote Lauren from her applicant essay, "I soar through the boundaries and shoot for the stars!"
She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Lynn Peters of Smithfield.
Congratulations Lauren!
2014 Scholarship Selection Committee
**The Selection Board consisted of Hugh Copeland, Executive Director of Hurrah Players; Jackie Cherry, Executive Director/CEO of Suffolk Cultural Arts Center and Elaine Abicht, Smithfield Packing Executive, co-owner of The Christmas Store of Smithfield and co-founder of the non-profit Smithfield Music. They independently deliberated to process the various applicants; the individual results were tabulated and a final candidate was confirmed.
**The Selection Board consisted of Hugh Copeland, Executive Director of Hurrah Players; Jackie Cherry, Executive Director/CEO of Suffolk Cultural Arts Center and Elaine Abicht, Smithfield Packing Executive, co-owner of The Christmas Store of Smithfield and co-founder of the non-profit Smithfield Music. They independently deliberated to process the various applicants; the individual results were tabulated and a final candidate was confirmed.
2013 SLT Scholarship Presentation
Smithfield Little Theatre officially announces the 2013 winner of the second annual SLT Performing Arts and Education Scholarship.
Skylar Norman of Smithfield was chosen from among many fine, well-qualified, talented students throughout Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin and Southampton County. He will be awarded a one time $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) scholarship.**
Skylar is a former home-schooled student who is currently working to finish his Associates Degree in Science at Thomas Nelson Community College. He is slated to attend William & Mary in the spring of 2014. He will be majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He has a current GPA of 3.87. Skylar aspires to attend graduate school, receive a doctorate and become a practicing scientist.
He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kelvin and Kimberly Norman of Smithfield.
Congratulations Skylar!
Skylar Norman of Smithfield was chosen from among many fine, well-qualified, talented students throughout Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin and Southampton County. He will be awarded a one time $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) scholarship.**
Skylar is a former home-schooled student who is currently working to finish his Associates Degree in Science at Thomas Nelson Community College. He is slated to attend William & Mary in the spring of 2014. He will be majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He has a current GPA of 3.87. Skylar aspires to attend graduate school, receive a doctorate and become a practicing scientist.
He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kelvin and Kimberly Norman of Smithfield.
Congratulations Skylar!
2013 Scholarship Selection Committee
**The Selection Board consisted of Hugh Copeland, Executive Director of Hurrah Players; Susan Babiy, Director of Development of Suffolk Cultural Arts Center and Elaine Abicht, Smithfield Packing Executive, co-owner of The Christmas Store of Smithfield and co-founder of the non-profit Smithfield Music. They independently deliberated to process the various applicants; the individual results were tabulated and a final candidate was confirmed.
**The Selection Board consisted of Hugh Copeland, Executive Director of Hurrah Players; Susan Babiy, Director of Development of Suffolk Cultural Arts Center and Elaine Abicht, Smithfield Packing Executive, co-owner of The Christmas Store of Smithfield and co-founder of the non-profit Smithfield Music. They independently deliberated to process the various applicants; the individual results were tabulated and a final candidate was confirmed.
First Annual SLT Scholarship Presentation
Elaine Dairo Presenting the SLT scholarship check to Tayrn Johnson
June 3, 2012
Smithfield Little Theatre officially announced the winner of the first SLT Performing Arts and Education Scholarship at our 50th Anniversary Gala Sunday, June 3rd, 2012 at the Smithfield Center.
Taryn Johnson of Smithfield High School was chosen from among many fine and well-qualified, talented students of Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin, and Southampton County. The scholarship is a one time award for $1,000 (one-thousand dollars).**
Taryn is attending Roanoke College in the Honors Program. She is currently majoring in Bio-Chemistry. She is pursuing her love of flute through participation in the Pep Band.
Taryn received academic scholarships from Roanoke College, a band scholarship from Smithfield High School, and the Otter-Caribou Heritage Scholarship from the AAAA Scholarship Foundation.
She is the daughter of William and Valerie Johnson of Smithfield, twin sister to her brother Nathaniel (VA Tech) and younger sister to her brother Casey (William & Mary).
Congratulations Taryn!
Smithfield Little Theatre officially announced the winner of the first SLT Performing Arts and Education Scholarship at our 50th Anniversary Gala Sunday, June 3rd, 2012 at the Smithfield Center.
Taryn Johnson of Smithfield High School was chosen from among many fine and well-qualified, talented students of Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Surry, Franklin, and Southampton County. The scholarship is a one time award for $1,000 (one-thousand dollars).**
Taryn is attending Roanoke College in the Honors Program. She is currently majoring in Bio-Chemistry. She is pursuing her love of flute through participation in the Pep Band.
Taryn received academic scholarships from Roanoke College, a band scholarship from Smithfield High School, and the Otter-Caribou Heritage Scholarship from the AAAA Scholarship Foundation.
She is the daughter of William and Valerie Johnson of Smithfield, twin sister to her brother Nathaniel (VA Tech) and younger sister to her brother Casey (William & Mary).
Congratulations Taryn!
2012 Scholarship Selection Committee
** The Selection Board consisted of Hugh Copeland, Executive Director of Hurrah Players; Jackie Cherry, Executive Director/CEO of Suffolk Cultural Arts Center and Elaine Abicht, Smithfield Packing Executive, co-owner of The Christmas Store of Smithfield and co-founder of the non-profit Smithfield Music. They independently deliberated to process the various applicants; the individual results were tabulated and a final candidate was confirmed.
** The Selection Board consisted of Hugh Copeland, Executive Director of Hurrah Players; Jackie Cherry, Executive Director/CEO of Suffolk Cultural Arts Center and Elaine Abicht, Smithfield Packing Executive, co-owner of The Christmas Store of Smithfield and co-founder of the non-profit Smithfield Music. They independently deliberated to process the various applicants; the individual results were tabulated and a final candidate was confirmed.
