Feb. 17, 2023
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA — Chesterfield County and Chesterfield County Public Schools, in partnership with Virginia State University, presented six local high school seniors with Leadership for the 21st Century scholarships today, Feb. 17, during the annual Black History Month Scholarship Recognition Program.
The event was held this morning at VSU’s Gateway Dining and Event Center and livestreamed on Chesterfield’s Facebook page.
This year’s scholarship essay asked Chesterfield County high school seniors to reflect on the 2023 Black History Month theme, “Uniting Today for a Better Tomorrow.” The students’ essays focused on important moments in our history that have united the American people for a better tomorrow and how cultural events and people have impacted their life and community.
The six winners were awarded $2,500 scholarships, with one selected from each of the county’s five magisterial districts and the sixth chosen from a regional governor school.
2023 Chesterfield County Leadership for the 21st Century Scholarship Winners
Gabriella Baracat, Clover Hill High School
Elena Bland, Cosby High School
Madison Hawley, Thomas Dale High School
Joanne Lin, Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School
Conner Reid, Midlothian High School
William Waid, L.C. Bird High School
For 34 years, Chesterfield County has celebrated Black History Month with a variety of programs that explore the rich, diverse heritage of African Americans and their contributions to our community and nation.
Terrell A. Benton, regional vice president for the YMCA of Greater Richmond, delivered the keynote address during the Scholarship Recognition Program.