Covington Hot Springs Rotary President, Libby McCoy congratulates Covington High School graduate, Ashley Brie, on being named the Covington Hot Springs Rotary Scholarship recipient. Brie also was awarded a Helen F. Dickson Scholarship. She is the daughter of Jim and Lisa Bragg and will begin classes at DSLCC this fall. Brie is interested in a career in medicine and will pursue an Associate of Arts and Science Degree in Science at the College. From left: McCoy and Brie.

Brie Receives Two DSLCC Scholarships   Clifton Forge, VA (June 16, 2010 - The DSLCC Educational Foundation has awarded a Covington Hot Springs Rotary Scholarship and a Helen F. Dickson Scholarship to Ashleigh Brie of Covington. A June graduate of Covington High School, Brie is the daughter of Jim and Lisa Bragg. She will begin her post-secondary education at DLSCC this fall, where, in preparation for a career in medicine, she plans to pursue an Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree in Science. The awards will assist with tuition and book expenses at DSLCC for one year. While a student at CHS, Brie earned 18 college credits through her participation in the Jackson River Governor’s School at DSLCC. Her academic achievements led to her being named an Early College Scholar and gave her the opportunity to serve as a Junior Honor Marshal and attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Conference at Virginia Tech. Brie’s excellent scholastic achievement along with her outstanding character, leadership, and service to her community also were rewarded with induction into the Covington High School BETA Club. One of Brie’s teachers commented that Brie was “a true inspiration in my class, always striving to do her very best. Ashleigh is a very outgoing and pleasant young lady who genuinely cares about others and demonstrates that almost daily. She shows a maturity beyond her years which allows her to be a mentor and guide to students…” Another said that “[Brie] was a role model for underclassmen at Covington High School. She did not conform to peer pressure and is a young lady who has high morals and values.” Brie’s leadership abilities were demonstrated through her active participation in several organizations and teams at CHS. As President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Brie spearheaded the Handicapped Swings Project, a community service project whose goal was to give all children the opportunity to play. In addition, she was a member of the Student Council Association, where she served as Vice-President of the Junior class and President of the Senior Class. She also was Captain of the Cougar Girls Basketball Team and, as a sophomore, Co-Captain of the Volleyball team. Brie was a member of the CHS Madrigals her junior and senior years. A member of the Girls Softball Team for four years, she received Honorable Mention her junior year. Brie also was a member of Students for Christ for four years, the Pep Club for three years, and Future Business Leaders of America and Cougar Pride for one year. In addition to her work with the Handicapped Swings Project, she has volunteered for various community organizations including the Salvation Army, March of Dimes, and the American Red Cross. Brie is very active in her church, where she participates in Vacation Bible School, the church choir, and the Wilderness Program for Elders. She has worked for Camp ACCOVAC as a Counselor in Training. The Covington-Hot Springs Rotary Club, which was founded in the early 1920s, is one of the oldest clubs in the district and places a great emphasis on community and youth. The club established the scholarship fund through the DSLCC Educational Foundation as a way to continue the club’s support and promotion of youth in the Alleghany Highlands. A scholarship is awarded each year to a student from Alleghany, Covington, or Bath County High School who has made DSLCC their college of choice. Known as the world’s first service club, Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace. Sponsoring local high school students on trips to foreign countries to experience other cultures and ways of life and providing opportunities for graduate students to study abroad through the Ambassadorial Scholar Program are additional ways the club demonstrates its focus on youth. The Helen F. Dickson Scholarship honors the memory of Miss Dickson who was born in the Callaghan area of Alleghany County. Throughout her lifetime, she reached out to others in her church, family, work, civic and community activities. She was the Youth Director at Granbery Memorial Methodist Church for fifteen years and worked with area youth on numerous community projects, generously giving of her time and devotion to these young people she so endearingly called “my kids.” Limited family means and general financial conditions during the Depression conspired to prevent Miss Dickson from attending college, which was a source of disappointment and regret to her. Although she had no children of her own, she encouraged the young people whose lives she touched to continue their education after high school, emphasizing that it would broaden their perspectives, enhance their life opportunities, and improve the quality of life for future generations. Her goal to continue to give of herself to young people has come to fruition through the Helen F. Dickson Scholarships, made possible through a bequest to the Educational Foundation from Miss Dickson’s estate. The DSLCC Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors from the College’s service area. In addition to the thousands of dollars awarded in merit scholarships each year, the Foundation also supports the College through the purchase of technological equipment and other materials and through faculty grants. To make a tax-deductible contribution to the DSLCC Educational Foundation Scholarship program or to learn more about the Foundation’s programs, contact Lynda Thompson by phone at 863-2837 or by email at lthompson@dl.vccs.edu or access the foundations web site at www.dslcc.edu.

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