Eleven local high school students have been named Patrick Henry Scholars, receiving full-tuition scholarships to Patrick Henry Community College in the fall. Recipients are Julian Ayers of Bassett; Lauren Brown of Stuart; Joni Crawford, MiCháela Edwards, Daniel Fulcher, and James Hodges of Ridgeway; Hanna Franklin of Collinsville; Mackenzie Hall, Caylee Joyce, John Thomas Myers and Emily Oakley of Martinsville.
The scholarship, administered by the PHCC Foundation, is awarded to students from high schools in the college’s service region. Students are selected by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee for their academic and leadership potential, and must maintain a 3.2 GPA while at PHCC. Recipients are afforded a variety of events, activities and services to create an intense and enriching college experience.
Julian Ayres, son of Gloria and Thomas Ayres, graduated from homeschool with a 3.89 GPA. He is a member of the Renaissance Music Academy String Orchestra and Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, playing the violin, and placed first in the Lion’s Club Bland Competition for four years in a row. Along with playing the violin, Ayres was a member of the Piedmont Governor’s School Robotic Team. He is also a Black Belt in tae kwon do and a member of the Boy Scouts, where he is completing his Eagle Scout requirements. Ayres plans to attend Virginia Tech after PHCC to major in Chemical Engineering and minor in Music.
Lauren Brown, daughter of Angie and Jason Brown, graduated from Patrick County High School with a 4.04 GPA. She was an active member in Beta Club, Spanish Club and Future Farmers of America (FFA), and received Academic Honor Roll from 2009-2015 as well as the English Academic Award her senior year. She was also a member of DeHart Dance Theatre and the Girl Scouts, where she received a Gold Award. During 2014, Brown completed an internship with the Patrick County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Her goal is to earn her associate degree in general studies at PHCC and transfer to a four-year institution to study criminology.
Joni Crawford, daughter of Brenda and Jesse Crawford, graduated from Magna Vista High School with a 4.1 GPA. She was a member of the Manga Vista Choir for four years and was selected for the District choir for three years and the ACDA Honor Chorus in 2014. She was also a member of Beta Club, the YMCA swim team and the Magna Vista High School swim team, where she earned MVP honors in 2013. Crawford received the Henry County School Board Academic Excellence Award in 2015 and was an honor graduate. She plans to study general studies at PHCC and transfer to the University of Virginia to study English and become a writer.
MiCháela Edwards, daughter of Ulonda and Michael Edwards, graduated from Magna Vista High School with a 3.8 GPA. She was a member of Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Beta Club, National Technical Honor Society, National Young Leaders State Conference, National Society of High School Scholars, PHCC Upward Bound Science and Math and the Martinsville-Henry County NAACP Branch. Edwards was also a member of the Magna Vista High School Show Choir and was an honor graduate. She plans to obtain her Registered Nursing degree from PHCC and pursue her BSN work in labor and delivery.
Hanna Franklin, daughter of Robin and James Franklin, graduated from Bassett High School with a 4.06 GPA. She was an active member in the Beta Club, National Honor Society, Student Council Association, Interact Club, dance and yearbook. She also was a member of the Bassett High School swim and tennis teams. Franklin was an honor graduate and received an Academic Excellence Award upon graduation. She intends to study Communication Science and Disorders to become a speech pathologist.
Daniel Fulcher, son of Tiffany and Timothy Fulcher, graduated from Magna Vista High School with a 3.8 GPA and with honors. He was an active member in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the Magna Vista SCAEL History Team, in which he served as captain. Fulcher was also a 4-H Teen Leader and Axton Rescue Squad volunteer. He plans to study medical science at PHCC and attend Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue a career as a pharmacist.
Mackenzie Hall, daughter of Sonya and William O’Dell, and Ruby and William Peters, graduated from Franklin County High School with a 4.16 GPA. She was a member of the National Honor Society, SkillsUSA and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Her volunteer work includes tutoring local youth, volunteering at Snow Creek Elementary School and serving in her local church youth group. Hall received honors in business, engineering and architecture from Franklin County High School. She plans to transfer to a four-year institution after PHCC in order to earn a bachelors in accounting and business to become a CPA.
James Hodges, son of Reneé and Dr. Greg Hodges, graduated from Gospel Light Christian Academy with a 4.7 GPA. He was involved with the Forensics and Fine Arts Club, Honor Society, Student Government Association, Band and Encore Varsity Choir. He also served as Class Chaplain, was named a Junior Marshal and earned the superlatives of Mr. Gospel Light and Best Christian Character. Through the North Carolina Christian School Association, Hodges was the state preaching winner for three years in a row and was also a second place finisher in the national bible competition. He plans to enroll in the General Studies program at PHCC and enter the ministry and Christian service.
Caylee Joyce, daughter of Cara and Jay Joyce, graduated from Bassett High School with a 3.8 GPA. She was an active member of the symphonic band and Bassett High School Marching band, where she served as a drum major. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. Joyce was an academic award recipient, receiving an academic letter, and an honor graduate. She plans to transfer to a four-year college after PHCC to earn her teaching degree and become an elementary school teacher.
John Thomas Myers, son of Kerielea Byrd and John Myers, graduated from Martinsville High School with a 3.8 GPA. He was an active member on the soccer and golf teams, serving as team captain, as well as the swim team, where he earned VHSL All-State honors. Myers was also a member of the National Honor Society, Technical Honor Society and Beta Club. For his academic success, Myers was awarded the Big M Academic Award every year since sixth grade.
Emily Oakley, daughter of Laurie and Tim Oakley, graduated from Franklin County High School with a 4.14 GPA. She was a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), the National Honor Society and the 4-H Trailblazers Horse and Pony Club, serving as President her senior year. She received an academic achievement award in advanced Spanish from Franklin County High School and her certification in Agriculture Small Animal Care from Cornell University. Oakley plans to study Criminal Justice at PHCC and transfer to the University of Tennessee, with the hopes of becoming an animal cruelty investigator.
