FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COMMONWEALTH LEGACY AWARD WINNER SELECTED AT DCC

               DANVILLE, VA, September 1, 2006 -- Justin Barker of Ringgold is the first recipient of the Mrs.

Justin Barker, center, is congratulated by Dr. Chris Ezell, Vice President of Academic and Student Services, left, and Albert K. "Buddy" Rawley, Director of Development, right.

 Rebecca Lee McGovern Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship at Danville Community College this fall. Barker is among 40 first-time college students selected for the inaugural year of the Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship Program and he will be among those honored by Governor Tim Kaine on September 20 at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond.

The statewide scholarships provide up to $3,000 each for a full year of tuition, books, and fees at any of the 40 campuses of the 23 colleges in the Virginia Community College System.

“We are extremely proud of Justin and his accomplishments thus far,” said Albert K. “Buddy” Rawley, DCC’s Director of Development. ” We know he will succeed in many areas.”

Dr. Glen DuBois, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, commended the 40 scholars, saying, “I believe that all young people should be encouraged to go to college. The long term goal is to expand the intellectual highways of Virginia. Our workforce, our economy, and our quality of life depend on it.”                                                                            

Students selected for these legacy scholarships have demonstrated academic excellence during high school as well as a commitment to developing their leadership skills. They will become mentors to future Legacy scholars as they move through their academic programs and graduate from a Virginia community college.

Barker, of Ringgold, was an active member in the Beta Club, Spanish Club, and the Yearbook staff at Dan River High School.  He is also a junior assistant scoutmaster for his Boy Scout troop.

            Barker has demonstrated leadership qualities by being a role model to his peers, completing tasks. At DCC, he is enrolled in the Science/ College Transfer program, and plans a career as a meteorologist.

            “My academic goals will be achieved through this two-year experience because I am going to concentrate mainly on the mathematics and sciences in my classes,” explains Barker. “I think the two-year science program at Danville Community College will give me the background information necessary to be successful with the higher level science courses at a four year university.”

As the Spanish Club and Beta Club sponsor, and Spanish teacher at Dan River High School Audra Keen has had many opportunities to observe Barker. She says he is a real leader and always eager to lend a helping hand.

            “I have worked with Justin on several service projects, including collecting canned goods for God’s Storehouse, the Homeless Shelter, and individually identified families in our community who needed assistance,” says Keen. “Justin is a very polite young man who truly enjoys life and is always looking for the best in things. He can brighten your cloudy days and bring hope when there is despair.”

            Dr. Jennifer L. Sager, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement for the VCCS, adds, “The Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship Program has been established through the generosity of a number of private donors to the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE). This program will designate scholarship recipients who in each successive year will become mentors to a new class of Scholars -- providing a legacy for years to come of community college graduates extending opportunity to future students. What better way to honor the history-and the future – of Virginia’s community colleges and the students and families they serve?”