Rural Scholarship Program Cut in Half
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Posted: 10:51 PM Nov 12, 2008
Rural Scholarship Program Cut in Half
The Booth Scholars Program -- a scholarship program launched eight years ago to help rural students prepare for college through summer classes, trips abroad and access to new technology -- has been cut in half.
Reporter: Dave Benton
Email Address: dave.benton@wsaz.com
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WAYNE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The Booth Scholars Program -- a scholarship program launched eight years ago to help rural students prepare for college through summer classes, trips abroad and access to new technology -- has been cut in half.

That has been quite a blow for middle school students who typically would not be that concerned about the economy. But Wayne County eighth grade students Richard Alexander and Kayla Blake counted on the Booth Scholars Program to help them prepare for college.

"I've heard it's a good program to get in to," Richard said. "I'm trying to get scholarships and plan ahead."

Students such as Richard and Kayla apply for the scholarship and, if selected, they spend four years visiting colleges, going on European trips and even getting their own laptop computers.

Brenda Napier, director of the program, said the program has been cut in half because its founder Alex Booth -- like many people -- has been adversely affected by the economic slowdown.

"All of his holdings are in stock," Napier said. "Now, we have to reevaluate and rewrite (the scholarships)."

The bad news hit former booth scholar Danyelle Clark hard because the program offered her a chance of a lifetime -- traveling overseas, as well as other opportunities.

"I don't come from an educated family," Danyelle said. "Now, I'll be the first to get a degree in my family and possibly be a doctor."

For now, the scholarship applications will have to wait.

"Maybe something will happen in the next couple years and we can do it as juniors," Kayla said.

Napier said there's no word yet if the Booth Scholars Program will be canceled altogether; that depends on the economy.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 18, 2008 at 12:07 PM

the program was originally designed to help students who don't have the "home backing" to get into college that want to go to college...period. I know this for a fact because I was a teacher in Wayne County when it first started and we were told to select those students. I agree with the statement that some exceptional students get overlooked. It's now nothing more than another "clique" to try to make students who don't make it in or WANT to be in feel bad...period.
Posted by: Cassie on Nov 13, 2008 at 10:42 PM

As a former scholar and secretary and now a mentor/instructor with the program I feel that some things about the program should be known. All parents, students, and teachers are informed about the requirements of selection and what is used as a basis for acceptance. The process is rigorous and requires a look at students test scores, an interview with Brenda, an application and essay from the students, teacher feedback, and samples of the student's work. Acceptance has never been based solely on finances or any other one item. They look for students who are dynamic in all areas and who show a passion for learning and bettering themselves and their community. It upsets me that people feel negatively about the program because their child/grandchild/etc did not get in when they felt they should have. The people that should be asked about the positives and negatives of the program are the students, past and present, who received the benefits of a merit-based program and who have flourished
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 13, 2008 at 03:09 PM

To Teresa. I agree that the teachers should probably nominate the students. They are the ones that know the work of the students. If a child has their parent do the work and turn it in, how can the committee make an informed choice of who should be chosen? The teachers know the students and whether their actions merit their selection into the program. And if it is based on the child's opportunity to go to college, that should be stated up front to keep students from being upset when they worked their hearts out to be chosen to be in the program and were rejected just because their parents make too much money. If it is needs-based, let us know up front and we won't apply if we are above the poverty level.
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