ACEA offers $3,500 in college scholarships

On Tuesday, May 15 the Augusta County Education Association, in partnership with Augusta County Public Schools, honored those retiring from the Augusta County Public Schools.  As the veterans were being honored they also had the opportunity to meet the two recipients of the ACEA Scholarships.

Tori Hildebrand graduating from Buffalo Gap High School will attend Bridgewater College to study education.  Ms. Hildebrand received $1,000 from the ACEA to support her education.  The Future Educator Scholarship has been a part of the ACEA legacy for over 20 years.  The ACEA feels that it’s very important to support those students who hope to follow in their footsteps.  Members contribute to the scholarship campaign and school employees support the efforts as well.

BGHS graduate Kailey Coffey is the recipient of the Roger Zirkle Scholarship.  Ms. Coffey will also attend Bridgewater College to begin her studies in medicine.  The Zirkle Scholarship was funded by donations from both the employees in Augusta County and area businesses.  The ACEA is especially thankful to the Hershey Company and their contributions.   Mr. Zirkle was always a friend of education and stood up for employees and their families.  He is sadly missed.  Ms. Coffey received her scholarship award from Mrs. Sheri Crissman, daughter-in-law.  Mrs. Crissman shared how honored the family is to have this scholarship named in Mr. Zirkle’s memory.

The ACEA Scholarship Committee Chaired by ACEA treasurer Laura Lawson reviewed 17 applications submitted through the school guidance counselors.  The applications were very impressive and the students have accomplished so much in their years in high school.  Too often is only heard the negative about public schools.  Read through those applications and one is confident that our system is effective and the future is bright for so many young Augusta County students.

Contributions are still being accepted by the ACEA Scholarship Fund.  Contributions can be mailed to Laura Lawson, Buffalo Gap High School, 1800 Buffalo Gap Hwy, Swoope, VA 24479.