Samantha Lynn Nichols Memorial Scholarship
The Samantha Lynn Nichols Memorial Scholarship was established at the Community Foundation in loving memory of Samie Lynn who passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at the age of 29 after a year-long battle with cancer.
Samie Lynn was an English and Theatre teacher at Waynesboro High School for six years. Samie’s love for the theatre and arts was known from a very young age when she participated in plays and sang in the children’s choir at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in York, Pennsylvania. In high school, Samantha sang in the choir and participated in every theatrical production in junior and senior high school.
Although Samie was born in Virginia, she grew up mostly in York, Pennsylvania. She attended York Catholic High School graduating in 2014 with honors. Samantha then attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) studying English Education and Theatre. She graduated in 2019 on the Dean’s List and also completed a rigorous program at the Cook Honors College at IUP. After graduation, she moved to Waynesboro with her parents to pursue a career as a public-school teacher.
Samantha became a huge fan of K-Pop bands and would plan trips to New York City, Washington, DC, and other cities to attend concerts. Samie also would travel to Broadway to attend theatrical productions. She had the ability to write and edit scripts, develop music and lighting for shows, help with choreography and fight scenes, and place the right person in the best role(s). She was a champion for her students and always ensured each student knew they were valued and loved.
Description
The Samantha Lynn Nichols Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior of Waynesboro High School who, like Samie, has a love for the Arts; specifically dance, theater, and vocal/instrumental performance or composition.
Eligibility
- An eligible student must be a senior at Waynesboro High School.
- Additional eligibility criteria to be determined.
Donate
If you would like to make a contribution in loving memory of Samie Lynn, you may do so online or by mailing a check payable to the Community Foundation to P.O. Box 815, Staunton, VA 24402. Please contact Menieka Garber with any questions at info@cfcbr.org or 540-213-2150.
