Criteria

Outstanding seniors graduating from West Wilkes High School, who will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in any of the physical, natural or biological sciences, mathematics, engineering, accounting, or computer sciences from an accredited college or university. Qualifying characteristics will include academic achievement, need, extracurricular activities and character. Applicants should have a weighted GPA of at least 3.5 at the end of their first semester of their senior year of high school.

About Julia and Blake Lovette

Wilkes County natives Julia and Blake Lovette were West Wilkes High School sweethearts who believed in the importance of education. So, they created a memorial scholarship to honor their Wilkes County roots and provide educational opportunities to worthy students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the sciences.

Blake Lovette was a leading figure in the poultry industry for many years. He served as chief executive officer of Valmac Industries, president of Purdue’s Shenandoah Products, and president and chief operating officer of Holly Farms. He owned and operated Lovette Company, a meat and poultry distributor, and then sold it to ConAgra Poultry where he served as president. He also served on numerous industry-related organizations.

The couple was deeply involved in the community. Blake was as a member of the Wilkes County Board of Education and chairman of the Wilkes County Republican Party. He served on the boards of Wilkes Regional Medical Center, Wilkes Economic Development Corporation, Wilkes Art Gallery and the Wilkes Department of Social Services. Julia was active with the Rainbow Center of Wilkes, the Wilkes Adult Developmental Activity Program, the Wilkes Community College endowment board, the Wilkes Regional Medical Center Auxiliary board and the Wilkes Family YMCA board.