The Roanoke Kiwanis awarded $16,000 for six scholarships to high school seniors this year. Scholarships are given to applicants from the seven area high schools that sponsor Key Clubs – William Fleming, Patrick Henry, Cave Spring, Hidden Valley, Northside, Roanoke Catholic School, and Faith Christian School. Students completed an application with a personal history, their expected field of interest for college, transcripts, and extracurricular, service activities as well as letters of recommendation. A Kiwanis Scholarship Committee read through 33 applications and scored them based on financial need, community service, and academic achievement.
Six finalists sat through interviews with the committee and those finalists were then ranked to receive the Franklin Award ($5,000) named for a former Kiwanis member and his wife who were benefactors of the Roanoke Kiwanis Foundation; Henh Ly Award ($3,000) named for a Kiwanis Scholarship recipient who was tragically killed in the 2008 shootings at Virginia Tech; and the other four scholarship finalists were awarded $2,000 each. We would especially like to thank our sponsors – Pinnacle Bank Financial Partners and American National Bank.
Miles Wilson, a graduate of William Fleming High School, received the top award, the Stu and Margaret Franklin Scholarship of $5,000.
Leah Tillman received the Hehn Ly Award of $3,000 and is a graduate of Hidden Valley High School.
Hung Lam, a graduate of William Fleming, received a $2,000 scholarship, sponsored by American National Bank.
Ryley Stransky, a graduate of Roanoke Catholic School, received a $2,000 scholarship sponsored by Pinnacle Financial Partners.
Canaan Fetzer, a graduate of Cave Spring High School, received a $2,000 Kiwanis scholarship.
Lal Lian who also received a Kiwanis scholarship of $2,000 is a graduate of William Fleming High School.
The Kiwanis Club of Roanoke is a community service organization in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia that serves the needs of children, the elderly, and the environment. Our Club provides funds and sweat equity to over 25 charitable organizations, seven Key Clubs at area high schools, a Builders Club at area middle schools, and the Phoenix Star Aktion Club for adults with special needs. At the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke, you can fulfill your desire to serve the community and build friendships that will last a lifetime. All are welcome to join or participate in programs. To do so, contact: Jeanne Bollendorf, Public Relations Committee, Kiwanis Club of Roanoke at jbollendorf@gmail.com and Steve English Scholarship Committee Chair at Steve.English@pnfp.com
