William Henry Sheppard Scholarship Program

The William Henry Sheppard Scholarship was established in 2015 by anonymous donors committed to supporting the participation of Waynesboro High School students (rising 9th graders and beyond) in domestic or international cultural immersion travel experiences, of any duration, organized by WHS or other qualified nonprofit organizations. Cultural immersion travel involves contact and interaction with the culture of a region or country. Culture, in this sense, is defined as the way of life, activities, and traditions of a people, and not merely a country’s historic sites and scenic attractions.

This scholarship honors the life and work of William Henry Sheppard (1865–1927), who was born in Waynesboro (VA) one month before the end of the American Civil War. Mr. Sheppard was one of the earliest African Americans to become a missionary for the Presbyterian Church. He spent 20 years in Africa, primarily in and around the Congo Free State, and is best known for his efforts to publicize the atrocities committed against the Kuba and other Congolese peoples by King Leopold II. Mr. Sheppard’s efforts contributed to the contemporary debate on European colonialism and imperialism in the region, particularly amongst those of the African American community.

V. Francis and Susan S. Reynolds Scholarship

The V.F. and Susan S. Reynolds Scholarship was established in 2007 by their five children, all Waynesboro High School graduates. Mr. Reynolds served with the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, retiring with the rank of Ensign, and began his career in order to provide for his growing family. An avid reader, he published one book The Long Shadow of Memory in 1967. Mrs. Reynolds grew up in Waynesboro and was a teacher for 27 years in the Waynesboro Public School system. She taught music, physical education, and English. “V” and Susan Reynolds were active members of their church and volunteered in the community, working with youth and serving in leadership positions in local and civic organizations.

Teresa Blum Memorial Scholarship

The Teresa Blum Memorial Scholarship has been established at the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge by family and friends, in loving memory of Teresa and in honor of her life and career.

Teresa was employed by Highland County Public Schools for 40 years, teaching first, second and third grades at Highland Elementary School before becoming Principal in 2003. She knew every student by name and loved them all as her own. She had a special gift for not only seeing the good in people but bringing out the best in them.

Donate

If you would like to make a contribution in loving memory of Teresa, 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 in**@***br.org or 540-213-2150.

Steven W. Short Memorial Scholarship

The Steven W. Short Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Steven Short who was a loving husband and father. Steven graduated from Waynesboro High School in 2003. He was a family man; he adored his wife and was absolutely smitten with his three children. Steven loved sports and played golf whenever he had a chance; he was a UVA fanatic and loved being surrounded by friends and family.

Scholarship to Change Lives

There are many ways in which our donors can help the residents of our community, and the development of our Scholarship to Change Lives is an inspiring example. Thanks to the generosity and thoughtfulness of several donors, we designed this new scholarship program to help individuals of all ages and backgrounds pursue traditional and nontraditional educational opportunities that have the potential to truly change their lives.

Candidates for the Scholarship to Change Lives are to be nominated by a friend, mentor, or other community member.  We accept and respond to nominations year-round. Additionally, if you are looking for scholarship assistance and have missed our March 1, 2022 deadline, we may be able to assist you. Please select Apply Now below.

Nominate

Saunders Brothers, Inc. Scholarship

Saunders Brothers, Inc. is proud to be a premier supplier of superb-quality plant material for garden centers, landscapers, and public gardens throughout the Eastern United States. The Saunders family is excited to offer this scholarship opportunity to all residents of Nelson County, as well as the employees of Saunders Brothers, Inc., and their children and grandchildren.

Roy B. Martin Memorial Scholarship-WHS

The Roy B. Martin Memorial Scholarship was created to memorialize the life of the late Roy B. Martin. Mr. Martin was a long time educator in Waynesboro and Augusta County Public Schools.

Roy B. Martin Memorial Scholarship-SDHS

The Roy B. Martin Memorial Scholarship was created to memorialize the life of the late Roy B. Martin. Mr. Martin was a long time educator in Waynesboro and Augusta County Public Schools.

Rita Wilson Memorial Scholarship

Throughout our community we will forever witness the contributions of our dear friend, the late Rita S. Wilson. She worked continually to grow as an individual, make the most of her life, and support her family, friends, and the community at large.

Donate

A generous donor has pledged to match each dollar donated! If you would like to make a contribution in loving memory of Rita, you may do so online or mail a check payable to the Community Foundation to P.O. Box 815, Staunton, VA 24402. Please contact Menieka Garber with any questions at in**@***br.org or 540-213-2150.