Emerging Leaders Scholarship Plays into State’s Future

NEWS AROUND CAMPUS Emerging Leaders Scholarship Plays into State’s Future

A new community partnership is bringing scholarship opportunities to West Virginia students with a clear idea of how they pay it forward to their home state. Davis & Elkins College, in partnership with Citizens Bank of West Virginia and WDTV, is offering the Emerging Leaders Scholarship – a four-year award that includes tuition, room and board. The inaugural competition, open to all 2022 high school graduates in the Mountain State, proved to be such a success that the program was continued for a second year for 2023 graduates. “Davis & Elkins College is investing in West Virginia students who wish to experience a transformative education at a first-rate institution of higher education,” said D&E President Chris A. Wood. “With gratitude to Citizen’s Bank of West Virginia and WDTV, the Emerging Leaders Scholarship at D&E is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a hardworking 2023 high school graduate who wants to make a difference as a productive citizen of his or her home state. We train leaders, and we are excited to welcome the best and brightest of our state’s next generation.” Students are required to submit essays and the top candidates are chosen for interviews. In the inaugural competition, the interview committee planned to select one winner of a full four-year scholarship. However, they were so impressed with the number high caliber of applicants that D&E administrators elected to offer scholarships of varying values to students who scored in the top tier. American Legion Auxiliary West Virginia Rhododendron Girls State 2021 Governor Sidney Megna of Fairmont rose to the top as the winner of the inaugural four-year scholarship. In her essay, Megna expressed concerns for West Virginia’s economy, opioid crisis and steady decline in population and said those factors fuel her passion to better the state. “My main focus will always be encouraging the youth to seize opportunities and stay working in West Virginia,” Megan wrote. “As my generation inherits the leadership of our beautiful state, I will work tirelessly to build on everything that has been established and improve in our weaker areas.” Additionally, four-year scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 were awarded. Davis & Elkins College and Citizens Bank of West Virginia share community ties and a common bond. Citizens Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel S. Bonnell is a 2003 graduate of D&E and member of the College’s Board of Trustees. “Citizens Bank is proud to continue our sponsorship with Davis & Elkins College and WDTV to offer the Emerging Leaders Scholarship to help students across the state attain their educational and career goals,” Bonnell said. “This full-ride scholarship is the easiest application you will ever complete. I highly encourage all Class of 2023 high school seniors to apply now.”

The surprise factor came into play as inaugural winner of the Citizens Bank of West Virginia Emerging Leaders Scholarship to Davis & Elkins College was announced before the senior class at North Marion High School. Participating are, from left, WDTV General Manager Tim Fazio, Davis & Elkins College Executive Vice President Dr. Rosemary Thomas, Marion County Board of Education member Donna Costello, Marion County Board of Education President Mary Jo Thomas, Davis & Elkins College President Chris A. Wood, Nick Megna, Emerging Leaders Scholarship winner Sidney Megna, Heather Megna, Marion County Schools Superintendent Dr. Donna Hage, Citizens Bank of WV Senior Vice President & Marketing Officer Kathy Leombruno and Mr. Senator.

Sidney Megna, center, takes some time with her parents, Nick and Heather Megna, after being awarded the inaugural Citizens Bank of West Virginia Emerging Leaders Scholarship.

Emerging Leaders Scholarship—How to Apply

All 2023 West Virginia high school graduates, whether attending a public, private or homeschool, with a 3.25 or higher GPA are eligible to apply. Applicants will be required to submit an essay of between 500 and 1,500 words based on the topic, “If you receive this scholarship, how will you pay it forward to the state of West Virginia?” A list of high school and community involvement activities will also be included in the application. Submissions, accepted through Nov. 22, can be made at www.dewv.edu/emergingleadersscholarship/.