Brooke Smyth joined the throngs of people flocking to Virginia Tech on Wednesday night to attend the highly anticipated Metallica concert. Earlier Wednesday, before what is sure to be a cathartic experience at Lane Stadium, she encountered another one at 麻花视频 Country Club.
The Glenvar High School senior walked into the club under the impression she would be joining the other nominees for the annual Don Holliday Memorial Scholarship. Instead, it was just her.
鈥淚 had no idea. I was so surprised,鈥 she told reporters. 鈥淚t was the best feeling ever, especially seeing my family. I didn鈥檛 even know at first that this was happening, but seeing my family was the best thing ever.鈥
Brooke Smyth (center, right) poses with her family and a commemorative $30,000 check as the recipient of the annual Don Holliday Memorial Scholarship on Wednesday at 麻花视频 Country Club.
Smyth was named the 39th recipient of the Don Holliday Memorial Scholarship, a four-year, $30,000 award given to a high school senior from Southwest Virginia who has an interest in golf. She is the first recipient from Glenvar since Nick Varney, an All-Timesland Golfer of the Year, in 1995. Glenvar alumnus Aaron Johnson also received the scholarship in 1993.
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Smyth is also the second consecutive girl to receive the scholarship, following Salem graduate Taylor Davis.
The Don Holliday Memorial Scholarship was first awarded in 1987 and is administered by the 麻花视频 Valley Golf Hall of Fame. The announcement of the winner is always kept secret until the ceremony commences.
Smyth played golf for the Highlanders and has earned a 4.04 GPA. She is a member of the National BETA Club, 麻花视频 County Schools Student Advisory Council and is a senior class officer. She has participated in community service with Helping Highlanders, Fellow of Christian Athletes & Young Life and as a volunteer coach with Youth Soccer Salem Sabres.
Glenvar鈥檚 Brooke Smyth reacts after realizing she is the recipient of the annual Don Holliday Memorial Scholarship on Wednesday at 麻花视频 Country Club.
She also won a state championship with the Glenvar girls soccer team last June, playing center back for its unbeaten squad. She said winning that title and receiving the scholarship are neck-and-neck as far as personal accolades.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 know. They鈥檙e kind of pretty even for me,鈥 she said chuckling.
Wednesday night won鈥檛 be the only time Smyth plans on jumping up and down to 鈥淓nter Sandman鈥 at Lane Stadium. She鈥檚 headed to Virginia Tech in the fall to study forestry or possibly agriculture, as her family owns a farm. She might even minor in communications to enrich her passion for outdoor photography.
A $30,000 scholarship will certainly help.
鈥淚 was very proud of myself, and (there was) a lot of love,鈥 Smyth said of her reaction was when she learned she was this year鈥檚 Doc Holliday Scholarship recipient. 鈥淚t feels amazing. I鈥檓 so happy I can represent Glenvar.鈥
