On June 16, 2015, the Southeast Virginia Community Foundation and the Beazley Foundation cohosted their annual Today’s Scholars & Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship Reception for this year’s scholarship winners. The event was held at the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in downtown Portsmouth, where dozens of high school graduates were recognized for their outstanding academic accomplishments.

The recipients, their parents, the board and staff for both organizations, the scholarship donors, and even Mayor Wright of Portsmouth all gathered together for a meal and to celebrate the occasion. The dinner was served buffet style, allowing the guests to mingle during the first half of the reception — recipients were able to meet and thank their scholarship donors.

Thomas Wood, Immediate Past President of the SEVACF Board of Directors, presided over the reception, giving the opening and closing remarks, while Richard Wentz, Executive Director of the Portsmouth YMCA and Secretary of the SEVACF Board of Directors, was the guest speaker.

“You all are here tonight because you’re the cream of the crop,” Richard stated during his speech. “I am confident that you will all have even more success in college and go on to do great things.”

When it was time to recognize the students, the Honorable Judge Richard Bray announced the Beazley Foundation’s scholarship winners, calling them to the stage for pictures. Then, Ward Robinett, SEVACF CEO, spoke about each of the Foundation’s scholarships and asked their respective recipients to come forward to be acknowledged for their hard work.

“The SEVACF scholarship reception was a very nice event,” shared Velverlee Parrish, founder of the Josef D. Collins Scholarship Fund. “Having it at the Sports Hall of Fame allowed for a smaller, intimate setting where the students, parents, donors, and guests were able to talk and get to know one another. Being able to make a difference in supporting the dreams of our future generation makes it all worthwhile.”

Photos by Nicella Photography: www.nicellaphotography.com