THE DR. MICHAEL PRIEST
SCHOLARSHIP
Dr. Michael Priest was gifted with the determination and drive to not only excel on the baseball diamond, but also in the classroom - earning a 3.9 GPA at Campbell University while starting every game for his college team and breaking university and league records.
In recognition of Dr. Priest's incredible achievements, we are proud to offer The Dr. Michael Priest Scholarship annually to the college-bound Virginia sportsperson who best exemplifies not only outstanding athletic prowess, but also sportsmanship, individual contribution to their team or teams, community involvement, and academic excellence.
Applications for the 2025 Scholarship will be available January 21, 2025.
2024 winnerS
MASON
HATCHER
MeSHARLIA
FOUNTAIN
We couldn't have designed the scholarship for anyone more deserving than Mason. With a GPA soaring over 99 and a wildly active life in his church and community, Mason's character and academic prowess are only matched by his athletic ability. He will be attending Radford University this fall to play baseball - a scholar and athlete after Michael's own heart!
Sometimes a student stands out so much that we have to take notice - and MeSharlia is one of those shining stars. Attending William & Mary this fall, MeSharlia is a force to be reckoned with - a cheerleader with academic chops that won't quit, a heart for others, and a wave of support from her peers and teachers that makes her a clear choice for this award.
2023 winner
DESTINY LYNN
TALBOTT
A standout softball player headed to Virginia State University, Destiny Lynn Talbott represents all of the characteristics that we search for in granting the Dr. Michael Priest scholarship. Her athletic prowess, dedication to academics, selfless nature and determination in the face of adversity made her a natural choice for this year's scholarship.
Destiny was awarded $2000 toward her college career on May 20, 2023 at the Halifax County/South Boston Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where Dr. Michael Priest was recognized and inducted into the Hall of Fame.
2022 INAUGURAL winner
justin
pool
The 2022 Halifax High School salutatorian and recipient of the $3000 Dr. Michael Priest Scholarship will be attending N.C. State in the fall to study mechanical engineering.
Justin Pool deserves the Dr. Michael Priest Scholarship. He is an outstanding student, a loyal friend, and the hardest worker I know. He only started playing sports in his senior year of high school, and in that short period of time, he ascended the ranks, becoming the third fastest runner on the cross country team, the most improved swimmer, the MVP of the ACE team, and one of the newest prodigies of the boy’s tennis team."
- Ethan Kirkhart
2022 HONOREES
ethan
kirkhart
A standout student and athlete at Halifax County High, valedictorian Ethan Kirkhart will be attending Ohio State to study aerospace engineering.
Having acted as captain of the cross-country, ACE, swim and soccer teams, Ethan represents everything that the Dr. Michael Priest Scholarship stands for. He was awarded $1000 to pursue his college education.
EMMA
DALTON
Impressing the scholarship committee with her thoughtful answers, SCA President Emma Dalton will the attending Longwood University to study communication sciences and disorders.
When not dancing, cheerleading, or excelling in scholastics, Emma found time to volunteer at the Back The Blue 5k, local nursing homes, elementary schools, the CSVFD, and more. She was awarded $1000 toward her college goals.