(Lynchburg, VA – June 1, 2023) - The Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation (GLCF or Foundation) announced today that $119,540 will be awarded in local scholarships to 44 students across the Greater Lynchburg region this spring.
President & CEO Kathryn Yarzebinski said, “The Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation is proud that our scholarships assist local students as they further their education. We work with donors to create endowed scholarship funds, which result in these annual awards. We are delighted that 44 students will receive scholarships this spring.”
One of the scholarship recipients is Dai’Dieon Colemore, a graduating senior at E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg. He was recognized as one of two winners of the George and Gladys Costan Family Scholarships at a recent awards ceremony. Colemore said, “It was truly an honor to receive this scholarship. Not many people in my family have gone off to college and I’m happy to be one of the few. I’ve always wanted to help people and through politics and law-making, I know I can help those who are underprivileged and need someone in their corner. I’m heading to the University of Lynchburg as a Political Science major and Communications minor and I’m grateful for the assistance.”
The George and Gladys Costan Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2009 by George A. Costan, founder of what is now Southern Air, Inc. Mr. Costan intended the fund to help students with low to moderate family income who demonstrate independence and self-discipline, practice service to others through active participation in community organizations and/or church, and maintain a GPA of at least 2.5. Although academic achievement is certainly a factor, the desire and drive for self-improvement and perseverance in pursuing objectives are traits that weigh heavily in evaluating scholarship candidates.
Costan Family Scholarships are awarded annually to graduates at E.C. Glass and Heritage High Schools for continuing education at an accredited trade school, community college, or 4-year college or university. The second Costan Family Scholarship was awarded to Christopher Stone at Heritage High School.
Nannette Boswell, Scholarship Coordinator at Heritage High School said, “Scholarships provide financial support for students to help offset the cost of higher education. The scholarship funds available to Heritage High School students which are administered by the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation were not only appreciated for the financial aspect but also the connection to our local community! Working with the GLCF to select the recipients of the scholarships has been a pleasure.”
The Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation was founded in 1972. The GLCF’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for those living in the City of Lynchburg and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell through the establishment of permanent endowments.
Since 1972, the GLCF has granted over $30 million to a wide variety of local nonprofit organizations including education, human services, animal welfare, arts, and historical preservation organizations.
In addition to annual academic scholarships, the GLCF offers two grant cycles annually: fall and spring. The next grant cycle will be offered in September 2023. Last year, the GLCF awarded $2,092,907 to 185 charitable organizations.
For more information on how to establish a scholarship or to make a gift to one of the existing funds at the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation, please visit www.lynchburgfoundation.org.