Inaugural scholarship winners announced by nonprofit
Halfin
Longwell
Taylor
Halfin
Longwell
Taylor
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PHILIPPI -- A new local nonprofit is working to help local students with scholarships.
Sissy's Scholarships was formed last year by two Philip Barbour High School and West Virginia University alumni to honor their late mother, Vivian L. "Sissy" Yeager.
Josh Yeager and Cortney Corder formed "Sissy's Scholarship, Inc." with the goal of keeping their mother's memory alive and to impact local students. The nonprofit organization focuses on raising money to provide scholarship opportunities to local high school students with an emphasis on trades.
"This is the purpose and passion behind the organization, to reinforce to our youth that they don't have to pursue a traditional four-year degree to be successful in life," a scholarship press release states. "If they are willing to learn a skill/trade and work hard, they can achieve great success."
Vivan Yeager was a 1975 PBHS graduate. Josh Yeager graduated from high school in 1999 and Corder graduated in 2004.
Vivian Yeager wrote the same message at the bottom of every card she sent to the siblings as they went through college and their lives: "Never give up on your dreams... YOU can make them happen." The message has been adopted as the slogan for Sissy's Scholarships.
The inaugural scholarship recipients for the 2023-2024 school year have been announced. The three recipients are all 2023 graduates of Philip Barbour High School, and each will be furthering their education at local colleges.
Each student was awarded a $1,000 scholarship toward their educational expenses for the upcoming school year.
The recipients are Addison Taylor, who is now attending West Virginia Wesleyan College; Kemper Longwell, who is attending West Virginia University; and Mason Halfin, who is attending West Virginia Wesleyan College.
"On behalf of our family at Sissy's Scholarship, we would like to congratulate our inaugural recipients and wish them success in their pursuits of their dreams," the release states. "Most importantly, We would like to thank our local business owners and individuals for their generosity in donating and participating in our fundraising efforts. We look forward to benefiting the youth in our local community through annual scholarship opportunities for local High School graduates."
The second annual Sissy's Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30, at Barbour Country Club in Philippi. Registration will begin at 11 a.m., with a shotgun start at noon. All proceeds will be utilized to provide scholarship opportunities for local high school graduates.
For additional information about the organization, sponsorship opportunities or golf tournament fundraiser, please contact Josh Yeager at 304-282-0727.