CRESTVIEW — A Crestview High School senior who is dual-enrolled at Northwest Florida State College is the Foy Shaw Scholarship’s first recipient.
Natalie Wakayama — introduced May 2 at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce's monthly breakfast — plans to continue studies at Northwest Florida State. She intends to graduate with an associate degree in December and then major in sociology at another college or university.
The chamber’s Education Committee administers the $1,000 scholarship named for the late Foy Shaw, a founding chamber member and a strong proponent of education.
Natalie impressed the committee with her personality, clearly articulated goals and community involvement, Education Committee chairwoman Dr. Pam Meadows said.
In addition to maintaining high scholastic standards, Natalie volunteers in her church's nursery and sings with the high school chorus.
"She's also a third-degree black belt in taekwando," Meadows said. "She had a real good application. She's a neat kid."
Natalie thanked the chamber "for this incredible honor" after she was presented the scholarship by Meadows and chamber President Karen Hardell.
The Foy Shaw Scholarship
The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce's Education Committee administers the scholarship named for the late Foy Shaw, a founding chamber member.
Money from a 50-50 split game at monthly chamber breakfasts and personal donations fund the scholarship, said committee chairwoman Dr. Pam Meadows.
"We have some real generous people who are chamber members," Meadows said. "If we get real lucky, we might be able to give two (scholarships) a year away."
Meadows encouraged rising seniors at Crestview, Baker and Laurel Hill high schools to apply for the scholarship. Students planning to pursue technical or trades certification also may apply, she said.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High School senior wins first Foy Shaw Scholarship