New River Community Action is proud to announce the 2017 winners of their annual George Ducker Memorial Scholarship Award. Madeline Brown of Blacksburg and Zach Ingram of Elliston each received a $500 scholarship in recognition of their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and community service. Both students were recognized at the agency’s board of Directors meeting in Radford on May 18.
Zach Ingram graduated with honors from Eastern Montgomery High School earning an advanced studies diploma. At EMHS, Zach was a member of the Student Government Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and held leadership roles in The Beta Club and Chess Club. He also participated in EMHS’s spring theater production.
In the words of his EMHS Guidance Counselor, Kathy Wilson-Klatka,
“Zach is a kind, compassionate, generous person. On one occasion, he encouraged his classmates to submit scholarship applications before the deadline, even though he would be competing for the same award.”
This fall, Zach will attend Radford University and study Biochemistry with a Pre-Health concentration, and minor in Philosophy.
Madeline Brown graduated from Blacksburg High School with honors earning an advanced studies diploma. At BHS, Madeline was a member of the National Honor Society, won awards in debate and received the AP Scholar Award. Additionally, she was active in community service activities such as organizing food drives and working at the YMCA Thrift Shop.
Madeline interned with a local law firm and her employer, James Creekmore, stated,
“Madeline willingly seeks out challenging and enriching experiences and devotes her fullest effort and attention to achieving success in them, not just for herself personally but for the benefit of the endeavor, program or venture as a whole.”
Madeline plans to attend the College of William and Mary in the fall, pursuing a double major in Public Policy and International Relations.
The Reverend George Ducker Memorial Scholarship Award is presented annually by New River Community Action in memory of the late Reverend George Ducker, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Radford, a member of the Radford City School Board member of the New River Community Action Board of Directors 1986-1992.
-Submitted by Sheila West