NAPS Awards Scholarships to Graduating NHS Seniors

Photo: Rebecca Baker, Anna Jett, Kelsey Moss, and Eve Front (not shown) each received a $1,500 college scholarship from NAPS

Four graduating Northumberland High School seniors received college scholarships from the Northumberland Association for Progressive Stewardship (NAPS). Scholarships of $1,500 each were awarded to Rebecca Baker, Eve Front, Anna Jett, and Kelsey Moss.

“As always, the candidates were strong academically and active in community service,” said Martha Tallent, NAPS Scholarship Committee Chair. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the committee did not hold personal interviews this year, relying solely on its criteria for selection. “I am pleased to say that there was consensus among the scholarship committee, although we lamented not being able to award more,” Tallent said.

Scholarships were awarded in memory of Eliot Levinson, Myrtle Phillips, Jinny Estell and Jane Towner. Each were strong NAPS supporters or pioneers who died during the past year.

The NAPS Scholarship Committee received 16 applications and considered financial need, academic accomplishments, community focus, clarity of vision, probability of success, and alignment with NAPS’ environmental sustainability values. For the Levinson scholarship, criteria focused on interest in environmental or STEM careers, plans to attend a local university or community college, and a desire to stay in the Northern Neck after college graduation.

“Each year, I'm more impressed by the students graduating from NHS,” said Roger Gruben of the NAPS Scholarship Committee. “It's not only their academic accomplishments, but their understanding of the larger world they are entering, and their hopes for improving that world,” added Gruben.

To donate to the NAPS Scholarship Endowment Fund, visit napsva.org/scholarship-endowment or mail a check payable to NAPS to P.O. Box 567, Heathsville, VA 22473. Please write “Scholarship Fund” in the memo line.