New scholarship announced

Family, Law Firm Establish Scholarship for Students of JF Webb High School

On Thursday, November 4th, 2010, family, friends, community leaders and school personnel gathered at the Granville County Schools Central Office to celebrate the announcement of the John Anthony Little Memorial Scholarship.  The scholarship was created to honor the memory of John, a Granville County native and JF Webb graduate who passed away in a tragic car accident in November of 2008.  The scholarship provides an opportunity for a graduating senior from J.F. Webb High School in Oxford, NC. who demonstrates a sense of moral obligation to the world around them.  The recipient also intends to pursue a degree from an accredited institution (four-year, two-year, or community college or university).  The scholarship donations on behalf of Royster, Cross & Hensley and Paige Little totaled more than $105,000, with plans to offer a one-time $5000 scholarship each year to a deserving graduate of J.F. Webb campus, to continue indefinitely.

At the reception to announce this scholarship, Jim Cross, attorney for Royster, Cross & Hensley spoke of scholarship and the young man he knew, “ The student receiving the scholarship would possess the personality and drive to succeed and be interested in serving in his/her community – traits that were very prevalent with John.  The law firm and family hope that the scholarship committee can identify students with potential that may need encouragement to extend their abilities.  While academics and need may be a factor, they are not the driving attributes for scholarship applicants.”

Following Jim Cross, John’s mother, Paige Little, gave a heartfelt and courageous account of the life of her son.  During her remarks, a slideshow of pictures of John were displayed for the audience.  It painted a picture of a childhood, adolescence and young adulthood where family, community and a love of the outdoors helped create the spirit and person John was.

Other members of the school district, community, and the foundation that will manage the scholarship shared words as well.  By the end of the reception, it was apparent to all that John’s legacy will continue through this generous gift to the students of J.F. Webb high school.  Any graduating student of J.F. Webb campus who is interested in applying for this scholarship should contact their school’s guidance counselor.  Any individual interested in making a contribution to the scholarship should contact Jeanne Lawson at the NC Community Foundation  at (919) 256-6914 or e-mail her at jlawson@nccommunityfoundation.org.