South Boston, VA – April 18, 2018 – The Wanda Bostick Jeffress Memorial STEM Scholarship funded by Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation has been awarded to two members of the Halifax County High School class of 2018. Among 14 competitive applicants, Gordon Taylor and Kyra Scott were selected by the review committee. Each student will receive a one-time scholarship of $2,500 towards their college studies.
Taylor is attending the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia to study computer engineering. Taylor’s career goal is to become a software developer. Taylor said, “My dream is make new software and create applications that makes life easier for all people… When searching for a job, [what] will be the most important factor in my decision is: Will I be able to assist or help people in any way?”
Scott is attending North Carolina Agriculture and Technology University in Greensboro, Carolina to study computer engineering. Scott’s career goal is become a hardware engineer, computer programmer or software developer. Scott said, “My vision for my impact… includes creating an inspiration of diversity in engineering careers… The more diverse minds we have working together, the more breakthroughs we can reach because everyone has unique mindsets.”
The Wanda Bostick Jeffress Memorial STEM Scholarship was created by Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation was created to honor the legacy of Wanda Bostick Jeffress, of Halifax, who departed this life March 19, 2018. The scholarship will be offered annually to graduating seniors at Halifax County High School who are pursuing higher education in a STEM field, which may include science, technology, engineering, math, or healthcare. Qualified students have financial need and display academic achievement and a strong commitment to STEM.
A very active community leader, Jeffress served in numerous capacities including Board of Directors for Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation, Board of Trustees at Averett University, Lead Virginia (2008), the Virginia Advisory Board for American National Bank and a former board of directors’ member for Halifax County Industrial Development Authority.
Jeffress was vice-president and co-owner of Jeffress Funeral Home, South Boston and associate broker/agent with Realty Resource, Inc.
A 1981 Averett College graduate, Wanda’s employment career began as a production supervisor with the former Burlington Industries. She received her MBA degree from Averett College (University) in 1992 and later graduated from the School of Bank Management at the University of Virginia in 1994 while working as a mortgage lending specialist with the former Central Fidelity Bank (Wells Fargo).
Prior to joining her husband in the family business, she served as director of human resources at Halifax Regional Health Systems. Her passion for real estate and home ownership led her to pursue her real estate and broker licenses.
For additional information about applying for Wanda Bostick Jeffress Memorial STEM Scholarship, seniors at Halifax County High School should contact the school’s guidance department.
About Mid-Atlantic Broadband
Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC) is a non-profit 501(c)(4) organization, committed to providing economic development leadership to Southern Virginia. MBC promotes economic development in Southern Virginia through the operation of a successful advanced open access fiber optic network, providing wholesale telecommunications transport services, colocation and tower leasing. Since its inception in 2004 and by offering a state-of-the art fiber optic network, MBC has supported the recruitment of major investments including data centers, call center/operations centers, advanced manufacturing, research and development, and bio-tech industries. For more information, visit www.mbc-va.com.
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Lauren Mathena
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