KIMBALL, W. Va. (WVVA) -On Saturday, a ceremony returned for its seventh year to celebrate two local students who got a leg up on their future education, thanks to a scholarship which carries on a generational legacy of helping others.
Named after a McDowell County native who died in World War I, the Luther Patterson Scholarship was created by another McDowell County native Doctor Howard P. Wade, a World War II veteran and Bluefield State University professor. After Doctor Wade passed away, his son, Leon P. Wade, promised to carry on his father’s wishes, furthering his dream of helping young people wanting to continue their education.
“…He was an educator. He was a stickler for education, and he just wanted to give back to the community… He really had a passion for education,” says Leon P. Wade, now the sponsor of the Luther Patterson Scholarship.
To apply for this scholarship, applicants had to write an essay on a topic of both local and historical importance: “the Merci Train,” with Welch receiving one of forty-eight given by France following World War II.
This year’s winners are Mount View High School Students Alonah Baker and Jawuan Jackson. We asked Jackson, who also read his essay during the scholarship award luncheon, what he believes helped him stand out to the judges.
“Well, my essay I wrote fluently and tried my best to get as much information out as I could. I was very persuasive in my words, and I try my best to make sure I respected Luther Patterson to this day,” says Jackson.
Jackson hopes to pursue a career as a doctor after graduation and says this money will help him fulfill that dream. He says it’s “wonderful” that the people in this community support their local youth.
Jackson encourages his fellow students to consider applying for Luther Patterson Scholarship. If you would like to apply, Wade says to check with your school to see if you are eligible.
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