CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Six college-bound Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) students were each awarded $2,500 scholarships at Tuesday’s Black History Month Annual Scholarship Recognition.
According to a release, the County has celebrated Black History Month for 32 years with a variety of programs that explore the rich, diverse heritage of African Americans and their contributions to the community and nation.
This year’s scholarship essay for the Black History Month Annual Scholarship Recognition asked Chesterfield County high school seniors to reflect on the 2021 Black History Month theme: “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” The students’ essays focus on identifying a Black individual in their life, or a leader who has positively impacted their development.
According to a release, one winner was selected from each of the County’s five magisterial districts, and the sixth winner was chosen from one of the regional governor schools:
- Jamar Johnson, Thomas Dale High School
- Mary Hall, Monacan High School
- Laketa Johnson, L.C. Bird High School
- Terry Lee Johnson, Matoaca High School
- Amenah Holt, Midlothian High School
- Gabriella Amina Watson, Maggie Walker Governor’s School
Dr. Janice Underwood, chief officer of the state’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office, delivered the keynote address during the Annual Scholarship Recognition Program, which was held virtually this year. According to the Office of the Governor, Underwood is the first cabinet-level Chief Diversity Officer in the nation.
