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Carr James family funds inaugural Lynchburg City Schools computer‑science scholarship
Summary
A $100,000 family donation created funds used to establish a $15,000 need‑based computer‑science scholarship; inaugural recipient Savannah Hicks will study computer science at Randolph College.
The Lynchburg City Schools Education Foundation announced the inaugural Lynchburg City Schools Computer Science Scholarship, made possible by a family donation and awarded this year to Savannah Hicks, a graduating Heritage High School senior.
Dawn Wise, executive director of the Lynchburg City Schools Education Foundation, said donors Linda Carr and her husband Clarence James gave $100,000 in December 2023 to create two funds: a $25,000 Vivian Carr Miller Excellence Through Education Fund and a $75,000 Carr James Family Community Service Fund. Wise said the funds are being used for student needs and career and technical education opportunities.
"We give back because we're hoping others will see it and others will do so as well," Linda Carr said during the presentation. Wise described the scholarship as a significant, need‑based award with a total annual award amount of $15,000. The scholarship is awarded to the top computer‑science student as determined by an application process that includes a 30‑minute in‑person interview with the selection committee.
This year’s recipient, Savannah Hicks, is a Heritage High graduating senior who has served as a cybersecurity teaching assistant, enrolled in advanced cybersecurity coursework and plans to major in computer science with an emphasis in game development at Randolph College. Wise described Hicks’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments, including a gold medal in SkillsUSA extemporaneous speaking and other activities.
Savannah Hicks spoke to the board: "This scholarship is more than financial support, it's a powerful encouragement to keep pushing forward, and I'm truly thankful for that." She thanked the Carr James family, the foundation and mentors who supported her.
Wise said the fund also supports other initiatives, including scholarships in memory of donors’ parents, essentials and uniforms for students, and assistance for families at several elementary schools.
The foundation’s selection process requires applicants to describe relevant experience and contributions they would bring to the school board or scholarship, and finalists must confirm residency and complete background checks for selected awardees, Wise said.
